“Russian Foreign Ministry Advises Citizens to Avoid Canada Due to Alleged Racism and Violence”

On Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Canada, citing what it described as many “cases of racist behavior against Russians, including physical violence.”

Canada is one of the most supportive of Ukraine in the war waged against it by Russian forces, and has imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian officials and Russian companies in addition to imposing a wide-ranging trade embargo.

“In view of the many cases of racist behavior against Russian citizens … in Canada, including physical violence, we recommend that you avoid traveling to this country, whether for tourism, educational purposes or in the context of business relations,” the ministry said.

“If you are already in Canada, you should be careful, especially in public places,” she added.

The warning, dated April 20, was posted on the ministry’s main Telegram channel on Saturday. It was not possible to obtain comment from the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Shortly after the war began last year, Canada advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Russia.

Last week, Russia imposed sanctions on 333 Canadian officials and public figures, including prominent athletes, in what it said was a response to Canada’s restrictions on Moscow and its support for Ukraine.