Canada has pledged to impose new sanctions on Russia and provide additional military support to Ukraine, following a meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Tuesday in Toronto. Trudeau stated that his country will also impose sanctions on nine entities linked to the financial sector in Belarus, aiming to increase pressure on "Russian enabling elements in Belarus... and we will continue to support Ukraine with whatever it needs for as long as necessary.”
Shmyhal, who is the highest-ranking Ukrainian official to visit Canada since the war began over a year ago, expressed his gratitude for Canadian support. "Canada's support is extremely important for Ukraine's victory. We discussed with @JustinTrudeau defence assistance, seizure of Russian assets and strengthened sanctions. I thanked the Government and all Canadians for their strong support for Ukraine," he tweeted.
During their meeting, Trudeau's official website experienced a shutdown, and the Canadian intelligence agency acknowledged that "some" other government pages also lost internet connection.
Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada will send 21,000 assault rifles, 38 machine guns, and 2.4 million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine, sourced from Colt Canada, while the new sanctions will target 14 individuals and 34 Russian entities. "We just announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine, sourced from Colt Canada. We’re donating 21,000 assault rifles, 38 machine guns, and over 2.4 million rounds of ammunition. These arms will support Ukraine’s fight to defend itself, and to protect our shared values," Anand tweeted.
