Kenora MP Eric Melillo is one of 300 Canadians who are now on Russia’s ‘blacklist’ for condemning Vladimir Putin’s invasion into Ukraine, banning him from ever entering Russian territory.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, Defence Minister Anita Anand and almost every Canadian MP is included on the list. Other political leaders like Jagmeet Singh and Elizabeth May are also included, as well as leaders of Canada’s Ukrainian population.
“I consider this ban a badge of honour,” said Melillo. “I take this opportunity to renew my call for harsh action against Russia.”
“Russia’s decision to ban me and other Parliamentarians who have stood against the illegal invasion of Ukraine will not deter us from continuing to defend democracy, the rule of law, and the right of the Ukrainian people to live in peace in their sovereign nation,” adds Melillo.
The Russian government published the ‘blacklist’ March 15 in response to Canada’s sanctions against the country. As it stands, over 900 Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusan politicians, business leaders and military officials are still on Canada’s sanctions list, which got updated yesterday.
Canada’s sanctions aim to ‘disconnect’ Russia’s financial institutions from the rest of the world’s economy, to place financial penalties against individuals, to restrict Russia’s exports and to impose steep tariffs on its imports.
But in his comments to the House of Commons on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said while he appreciates the severe sanctions from Ukraine’s western allies, they’re not enough. He says a closure of his country’s airspace is the next step to help end the war threatening Europe.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has said they will not move to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine, as requested by President Zelenskyy, as NATO fears the move could trigger war across much of Europe. NATO includes military representation from 30 countries.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, threatening the independence of 44 million residents. The invasion enters its 21st day today. Relations between the two countries have been hostile since 2014.