Canada has imposed sanctions on Russians involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children
Canada has expanded its sanctions list targeting Russia, adding eight more Russian citizens whom the Canadian government links to the illegal deportation and forced relocation of Ukrainian children, as well as their indoctrination and militarization.
The new list includes, in particular:
- Alexander Kurenkov, head of Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations;
- Grigory Gurov, head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (“Rosmolodezh”);
- Artur Orlov, chairman of the board of “Rukh Perших”;
- Denis Chernobay, head of the movement’s regional branch council;
- Vladimir Khromov, advisor to the Office of the Children’s Rights Ombudsman;
- Yelena Milskaya, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Center for Assistance to Missing and Victimized Children;
- Alexandra Kulgina;
- Vitaly Suka.
The Canadian government stated that these individuals were or are involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, as well as in their indoctrination and militarization.
Ottawa emphasizes that these actions are part of a broader Russian policy regarding the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories.
The new sanctions mark another step by Canada toward holding Russian officials and others involved in the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children accountable.
Earlier, in May, the United Kingdom announced a new package of sanctions against Russia.
At that time, British authorities also linked the restrictions to the abduction of Ukrainian children, as well as to attempts by Russia to interfere in the upcoming elections in Armenia.
This is stated in a press release from the Canadian government.
As a reminder, the energy ministers of Ukraine and Canada, Denys Shmyhal and Tim Hodgson, signed a Joint Statement on Deepening Energy Cooperation. The document provides for financial and technical support for Ukraine in the energy sector.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv expects to sign a major “Drone Deal” with Canada as early as the end of September. This is expected to take place during the UN General Assembly.
Canada will allocate approximately 350 million Canadian dollars, or about $253 million, to purchase U.S.-made interceptor missiles for Ukraine’s air defense. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made this announcement on September 10 following a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Details on exactly which missiles will be purchased and when they will arrive in Ukraine have not yet been disclosed.
Twenty-one Ukrainian pilots are currently undergoing training in Canada, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. According to him, this will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation capabilities, along with the pilots being trained by other countries.
Following talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Calgary, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Canada is ready to join the European missile defense program FREYJA. He said that Canada will also provide Ukraine with interceptor missiles for air defense worth 350 million Canadian dollars.
Canada will provide Ukraine with more than $30 million for veteran rehabilitation and reintegration programs. The funds will be used to support Ukrainian defenders after their service.
