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| In Toronto, Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends an event with members of the Ukrainian community.4 March 2022 (AFP photo by Cole Burston) |
The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advice, advising Canadians to "avoid all travel to Russia owing to the repercussions of the military war with Ukraine."
"If you are in Russia, you should leave as soon as commercial means are available," the warning continued.
Ottawa had previously encouraged Canadians to stay away from Russia unless it was absolutely necessary.
The ministry warned sanctions on Moscow and Russia's response "may have a significant impact on the availability and provision of critical services" in the travel alert. The number of available flights is rapidly dwindling."
Russia approved a bill on March 4 that "severely restricts free expression," according to the ministry.
The legislation punishes the dissemination of "false news" regarding the invasion with up to 15 years in prison.
According to the alert, foreign journalists and other media workers in the country "may suffer significant risks."
Ottawa warned Canadians in Russia to avoid talking about the invasion, protesting, or exchanging or publishing information about current events in Russia and Ukraine.
Canadians who wanted to visit Russia despite the travel warning were told that they could have to remain "longer than intended" and that needed products and services might be scarce.
They also risked losing their bank cards and "should not rely on the Government of Canada to assist them in leaving the country."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday that Canada, which has already imposed numerous economic penalties on Russia, "would continue to apply harsh sanctions on Putin and the oligarchs" so that they grasp their "monumental blunder."
Trudeau is scheduled to fly to London, Riga, Berlin, and Warsaw on Sunday to discuss support for Ukraine.
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