Canada has imposed sanctions on 39 additional individuals and 25 entities with ties to Russia, including a top official from the Wagner Group suspected of leading the mercenaries in Mali.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly announced these sanctions on Thursday.
Among those listed are 20 individuals and 21 entities associated with Russia’s military industry or activities. The most notable name on the list is Ivan Maslov of the Wagner Group.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) states that Maslov was in charge of the private militia branch that played a role in the massacre of civilians in Moura, Mali in March 2022.
The leader of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has already been sanctioned by Canada. Prigozhin is currently believed to be in Belarus following a failed rebellion last month.
Other individuals sanctioned include those connected to private military companies and volunteer organizations supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
GAC also targets leaders in Russia’s nuclear sector, in collaboration with international partners, in order to exert pressure on the Kremlin following “reckless actions” in Ukraine that have escalated the risk of a nuclear incident.
The remaining 19 individuals and four entities are from Russia’s cultural and education sectors. GAC claims that Russia is using national celebrities to promote the “special military option” in Ukraine through music, concerts, and other events.
