Canada has imposed more sanctions over Russia’s handling of Ukraine

OTTAWA – Canada has announced it’s adding more names to those affected by sanctions imposed because of Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine.

Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion says 10 additional entities and two more individuals in Russia have been added along with four additional entities and three additional individuals in Ukraine.

Dion says Canada has no intention of lifting sanctions until Russia meets its international obligations.

The sanctions came on Friday, the same day that Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to Crimea to mark the second anniversary of the peninsula’s annexation and inspect construction of a bridge meant to link it to mainland Russia.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after a hastily organized referendum not recognized by Canada, the United States and the European Union.

The Russian embassy in Ottawa has issued a statement calling the Canadian government’s decision to slap more people and companies with sanctions deplorable.

“This is not how diplomacy is done and it does not pave the way to an honest and mutually respectful dialogue,” the statement said.

Russia’s annexation of Crimea, followed by a Moscow-backed rebellion in eastern Ukraine, prompted the West to impose the economic sanctions against Russia. They have contributed to the sharp devaluation of Russia’s currency.

Last year the government of former prime minister Stephen Harper announced plans for Canada to send 200 military trainers to Ukraine, joining the U.S. and Britain in an effort to shore up the country’s combat forces.