Australia and Canada Impose Sanctions on Russia over Kerch Bridge

Australia and Canada imposed sanctions on four companies and one Russian citizen over the construction and operation of the Kerch Bridge.

According to Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Marise Payne, targeted financial sanctions and travel bans were imposed against a Russian individual and four Russian companies connected to the construction of the bridge linking Russia to the temporarily occupied Crimea. The Foreign Ministry noted that Australia would continue to “support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” A total of 168 individuals and 52 companies are currently on Australia’s list of sanctions against Russia.

“Today’s announcement is made in coordination with Canada and aligns with action taken by the United Kingdom and European Union,” Marise Payne said.

Canada imposed sanctions against two Russian individuals and four Russian legal entities due to Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian Crimea.

“For seven consecutive years, Russia has systematically ignored calls from the international community to end its violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law. The people of Ukraine deserve a better future, one that they can build themselves, free of interference by Russia. That is why we are taking action today, and we stand ready to take further measures with our allies and partners as required,” Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Marc Garneau stated.

Canada’s sanctions were imposed on:

• Aleksandr Ganov, Director General of JSC TC Grand Service Express, which operates railway service between Russia and Crimea
• Leonid Ryzhenkin, Director of PJSC Mostotrest
• JSC Lenpromtransproyekt
• JSC “The Berkakit-Tommot-Yakutsk Railway Line’s Construction Directorate”
• Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Crimea Railway”
• First Crimean Insurance Company

Natalia Tolub