The deadly attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment sowed disarray, with panicked residents abandoning their mobile phones
Canada on Tuesday added President Vladimir Putin’s reputed girlfriend, 21 Russian officials and four financial institutions to its growing sanctions list over Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
“We’re targeting banks, oligarchs close to the Putin regime as well as his, I don’t know what to call her, his partner,” Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told reporters in Ottawa, referring to referring to former gymnast Alina Kabaeva.
Those targeted — including Kabaeva, the Russian Agricultural Bank, Investtradebank and two fund management firms — face asset freezes and a ban on entry into Canada.
The European Union has identified Kabaeva as the chairwoman of the board of directors of the National Media Group, a holding company with significant shares in almost all major Russian state media.
Media reports claim that she and the Russian president are romantically involved, which Putin denied when the story was first reported in 2008.
According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, Kabaeva and her family have gained a personal fortune thanks to her connection to Putin’s inner circle.
The report cites classified US intelligence that names Kabaeva as a beneficiary of Putin’s wealth.
Joly said the aim of the sanctions is “to suffocate the Putin regime,” and she praised the EU for banning most Russian oil imports on Monday.
Since Moscow’s attack on Ukraine started on February 24, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,050 individuals and entities from and in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
The deadly attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment sowed disarray, with panicked residents abandoning their mobile phones
Sterling jumped above $1.33 on the back of the decision
South Korean company also facing antitrust challenge in India
Fischer shares insights on the future of construction at the International Expert Forum
Stolen material was also sent to media organisations, say agencies
Israeli operations have become increasingly provocative, so Iran, Hezbollah and elements close to them have no choice but respond, says foreign minister
The Fed decision acts as a start to the interest rate cut cycle that markets have long been waiting for, says expert
UniCredit's Commerzbank move sparks opposition, defence