In tit-for-tat move: Russia imposes sanctions on 333 Canadians, including Olympians and Governor General

Russia has imposed sanctions on 333 Canadian officials and public figures, including Governor General Mary Simon and several prominent Olympians, as a response to Canadian restrictions on Moscow and its support for Ukraine. 

The sanctions involve a permanent ban on them entering Russia. The list including more than 250 members of regional legislative assemblies and scores of Canadian athletes who have publicly supported a ban on Russian athletes competing at the 2024 Olympics. 

The move is largely symbolic, as Russia is already banned from hosting major sporting events, and Canadian athletes have no reason to travel to the country.

Russia has routinely placed sanctions on Western officials since the West targeted hundreds of Russian individuals and companies over the invasion of Ukraine. 

"This measure is designed to encourage those on the black list to change their behavior," the ministry said in a statement of Russian Foreign Ministry.

Earlier we reported: The Canadian government is preparing to hand over a major new military aid package to Ukraine. This was stated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a joint press conference with the head of the Ukrainian government Denys Shmyhal.