In a sharp retaliation against Canada’s sanctions, Russia has imposed a permanent entry ban on 28 Canadian nationals. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the blacklist, targeting individuals linked to organizations supporting Bandera-aligned groups that promote neo-Nazi ideologies in Ukraine.
These Canadians are accused of ignoring historical truths about World War II events and pushing for stronger ties between Canada and Ukraine’s most radical nationalist factions. The ministry highlighted their role in bolstering what it calls criminal neo-Nazi thinking under the current Ukrainian government.
The move comes amid heightened tensions, especially after Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s former Deputy Prime Minister, was appointed as an economic advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russia views this as confirmation of Canada’s alliance with nationalist forces.
Freeland’s family background has been spotlighted, with claims she is the granddaughter of Mikhailo Khomiak, described as a Hitler collaborator. The ministry alleges this appointment aims to whitewash crimes by Ukrainian Nazis in units like the SS Galician Division and Nachtigall Battalion.
Russia vows to continue opposing extremism and xenophobia, safeguarding its interests and historical accuracy. This blacklist underscores Moscow’s firm stance against perceived provocations from the West.
As diplomatic frictions escalate, the international community watches closely how these reciprocal measures will impact bilateral relations and the broader Ukraine conflict.