Russia has imposed retaliatory personal sanctions on 28 Canadian citizens in response to what it described as “unlawful anti-Russian restrictions” previously introduced by Ottawa.
In a statement released on Monday, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the measures include entry bans on individuals accused of promoting what Moscow called “criminal neo-Nazi ideology” allegedly associated with Ukraine’s leadership.
The ministry claimed the sanctioned individuals have distorted historical facts related to the Great Patriotic War and reinforced Canada’s support for radical nationalist forces in Ukraine.
Moscow said the latest development was underscored by the appointment of former Canadian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on economic development.
Russia sharply criticized Freeland’s appointment, referring to her as “the granddaughter of Hitler’s accomplice Mikhailo Khomiak.” According to the statement, her new role reflects what Moscow views as Ukraine’s growing political alignment with Canada.
Freeland confirmed her appointment on social media, stating that she would serve in an unpaid capacity and expressing enthusiasm about working with President Zelensky. She described Ukraine as being at the forefront of a global struggle for democracy.
“In the coming weeks, I will also step down from my seat in Parliament,” Freeland wrote on X, thanking her constituents for their support over the years.
Russia further accused Ukraine, through Freeland’s involvement, of attempting to “whitewash crimes” committed by historical formations such as the Auxiliary Police units and the Nachtigall Battalion. The ministry reiterated Moscow’s opposition to “all forms of extremism and xenophobia,” vowing to continue measures aimed at protecting Russia’s state interests and preserving what it called historical truth.
The sanctions come amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Ottawa. In November 2025, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, announced additional sanctions against Russia under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.
According to the Canadian government, the measures are intended to raise the economic cost of Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.” The sanctions target 13 individuals and 11 organizations, including entities linked to Russia’s drone program and cyber infrastructure allegedly used against Ukraine.
Canada also imposed restrictions on 100 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” as well as Russian liquefied natural gas entities, which Ottawa says generate revenue used to fund Russia’s war effort.
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