Canada imposes economic sanctions and travel bans against 20 Russian and Ukrainian individuals

Toronto: Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement announcing additional economic sanctions and travel bans against 20 Russian and Ukrainian individuals, and new export restrictions on technologies used in Russia’s oil exploration and extractive sector:

“Since the onset of the conflict, the Putin regime has continuously violated the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

“Canada will not accept the illegal occupation of Crimea and persistent, provocative military activity in eastern Ukraine.  As such, we are once again announcing additional economic sanctions and travel bans against Russian and Ukrainian individuals. We are also imposing new restrictions on the export of technology used in Russia’s oil exploration and extractive sector and further defining existing debt and equity financing prohibitions.

“The sanctions we have taken to date, in close collaboration with our allies and partners, are putting real economic pressure on Russia to cease militarism in Ukrainian territory.

“Canada will stand in steadfast support of the Ukrainian people as they continue to struggle for peace and freedom against the Putin regime. We stand ready to take further proposed measures with our allies and partners if required.”