Expatica news

Canada slaps fresh sanctions on Russia

Canada on Monday slapped fresh sanctions on two Russian banks and nine officials for Moscow’s failing to stop soaring tensions in Ukraine.

“The illegal occupation of Ukraine continues and Russia’s military aggression persists. That is why we are imposing sanctions against an additional nine individuals and two entities today,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.

Canada, with the world’s third-largest population of ethnic Ukrainians, was the first Western power to recognize Ukraine’s independence in 1991.

In response to Russia’s seizure of Crimea last month, Ottawa announced targeted sanctions against Russian officials it said bore responsibility for the crisis.

Added to this list on Monday were Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first deputy chief, director of the Federal Protective Service of the Russian Federation, members of the Duma and Crimean officials, as well as two Russian businessmen.

ExpoBank and RosEnergoBank were also named.