Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced today new sanctions on Belarus in response to its support for the Russian war on Ukraine.

Joly said in a statement that the Belarusian leadership is engaging in human rights violations and allowing the country to serve as a launching point for Russian attacks.

Canada has expanded its list of sanctions on Belarus, adding 22 individuals and 16 legal entities.

The Canadian government said in its statement that it "took this action because the Governor General considers that the actions of the Republic of Belarus constitute a serious violation of international peace and security, which has led or may lead to a serious international crisis."

The list included Chief of the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces Viktor Gulevich, Chairman of the Investigative Committee Dmitry Gora, speakers in the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic in the National Assembly Natalia Kochanova and Vladimir Andreichenko, head of the Railway Foundation Vladimir Morozov, commander of the Special Operations Forces in the Armed Forces Vadim Denisenko, and other politicians and military officials.