Canada asked its citizens to avoid all travel to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Not only that, the government also urges Canadians residing in Russia to leave the country immediately.

Reported from AFPOn Sunday (6/3), Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended by updating its travel advice that its citizens avoid all travel to Russia due to the impact of the armed conflict with Ukraine.

“If you are in Russia, you must leave as long as commercial means are available,” the statement said.

Canadians who still wish to stay in Russia are warned they may have to stay for longer periods of time than expected and could be affected by difficulties obtaining essential raw materials and services.

They also run the risk of not being able to use their bank cards, and don’t expect the Canadian Government to help them leave the country.”

“Canada will continue to impose punitive sanctions on Putin and the oligarchs so that they understand their monumental mistake,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last Friday, announcing a trip to Europe.

Trudeau is due to leave Ottawa this Sunday to travel to London, Riga, Berlin and Warsaw to discuss support for Ukraine.

Previously, the City of Ottawa advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Russia.

In a travel advisory statement, the ministry said sanctions against Moscow and Russia’s response “may have a significant impact on the availability and provision of essential services. Flight availability is becoming very limited.”

The ministry also noted that Russia had passed a law on March 4 that was seen as severely restricting freedom of speech.

The law punishes publications that spread what it calls ‘fake news’ about the invasion with up to 15 years in prison.

“Foreign journalists and other media workers in the country face considerable risk,” the statement said.

Ottawa urges Canadians in Russia not to discuss the invasion, participate in protests or share or publish information related to current events in Russia and Ukraine.

(tdh/sfr)