Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a ban on Russian oil imports, said oil income had helped support President Vladimir Putin and Russian oligarchy and fought against Ukraine.
He said Ottawa would also supply Ukraine with anti-tank weapons and ammunition, in addition to three previous weapons shipments.

“Today, we announce a ban on all crude oil imports from Russia, an industry that has benefited President Putin and his Oligarchy very,” Trudeau said about a press conference.

“And while Canada imported a little number in recent years, this size sent a strong message,” he added.

Canada, with the fourth largest reserves in the world, is a net oil exporter, but still imports a significant amount of countries including the United States and Saudi Arabia, and to date Russia too, for domestic consumption.

According to government and industry data, Canadian oil imports from Russia fell from more than 17,000 barrels in 2019 to almost zero the following year.

Trudeau noted that Russian oil sales contributed about one third of Moscow’s government revenue.

“Our message is clear,” Trudeau said. “This unnecessary war must stop now. The cost will only grow more steeply. And those responsible will be responsible.”

“We have seen over the past few days that Putin made a big calculation. He thought it would be easy to conquer Ukraine … He thought the West would be divided and uncertain in his response,” he said. “He is very wrong on both of that.”

Defense Minister Anita Anand said 100 Carl Gustaf’s anti-tank weapons installed on the shoulders and 2,000 rockets would be sent to Ukraine “as soon as possible in the coming days.”

Putin put his condition on Monday for stopping the invasion to Ukraine, because sanctions continued to rain to Russia and Westerners warned that more could still be worn.