Canadian Government Imposes Sanctions on Russian Conductor Valery Gergiev

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney released a list of fresh sanctions against Putin's inner circle following discussions with Zelenskyy at the G7 summit

The Canadian government has imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Russian individuals, entities, and vessels, following a discussion between the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G7 summit.

44 individuals were named, many of whom are known to be members of Vladimir Putin's inner circle. Among them is the prominent conductor Valery Gergiev, who is presently general director and artistic director of the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg and the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow — two of Russia's foremost cultural institutions. 

The amendment, which you can view on the Canadian government's website, notes that the "actions of the Russian Federation constitute a grave breach of international peace and security that has resulted in a serious international crisis."

For many years, Gergiev has enjoyed the favor and protection of Vladimir Putin. In 2013, Putin revived the Stalin-era Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation Prize, especially for Gergiev, after Gergiev’s support in an election campaign video.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Gergiev lost much of his work in the West, including being fired from his post as Chief Conductor of the Munich Philharmonic. Other institutions that cut ties included the Rotterdam Philharmonic, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, BIS Records, Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, and the Vienna Philharmonic.

Alongside the cultural sanctions, Carney also announced a $2-billion package for Ukraine, which will fund helicopters, drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles, according to CBC.

"I would like to start with condemning in the strongest terms the latest outrage, barbarism from Russia," Carney said at the summit. "This underscores the importance of standing in total solidarity with Ukraine, with the Ukrainian people."

"It's a big tragedy for us and we need support from our allies," said Zelenskyy. "We are ready for the peace negotiations, unconditional ceasefire. I think it's very important, but for this we need pressure."