(Montreal) Canada on Saturday called on its nationals to avoid all travel to Russia because of the armed conflict in Ukraine and on Canadians in Russia to leave the country.
Posted at 6:23 p.m.
Updated at 7:18 p.m.
In an update to its travel advice, the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had raised the “level of risk” for Russia, asking its nationals “to avoid all travel to Russia due to the impacts of the armed conflict. with Ukraine.
“If you are in Russia, you should leave while business options are still available,” he adds.
Ottawa previously recommended that its nationals avoid all non-essential travel to Russia.
In its travel advice, the ministry notes that sanctions against Moscow and retaliation by Russia “could have a significant impact on the availability and delivery of essential services” and that flight availability is increasingly limited.
Referring to the law restricting freedom of expression on the current situation passed by the Russian parliament on March 4, he notes that “journalists and other media workers could face considerable risks”, including fines and prison sentences. .
Ottawa urges Canadian nationals to refrain from discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, participating in protests, or sharing or posting information related to current events in Ukraine and Russia.
Canadians wishing to remain in Russia despite this warning are also warned that they could “stay in Russia longer than expected”, be “affected by shortages of essential goods and services”, and risk not able to use their bank cards. They are finally advised that they should not “depend on the Government of Canada to leave the country”.
Canada, which has already taken numerous economic sanctions against Russia, “will continue to impose punitive sanctions on Putin and the oligarchs” so that they understand their “monumental error”, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaffirmed on Friday, in announcing a European tour.
Mr. Trudeau is due to leave Ottawa on Sunday to travel to London, Riga, Berlin and Warsaw and discuss support for Ukraine there.