More sanctions as Canada calls out Russia for illegal annexation of Crimea

MONTREAL – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has announced additional sanctions following Sunday’s vote in Crimea to secede from Ukraine.

Baird says today that Canada will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea to Russia and the treaty signed today to make it official.

The foreign affairs minister says 17 Ukranian and Russian officials have been added to a list of those who have had their assets frozen and will face travel bans.

Baird says Russia had a chance to respond today by withdrawing troops to their bases, but instead there have been reports of violence and the death of a Ukrainian soldier.

Baird says it is an unacceptable situation and Russia is facing a very clear choice — engage in discussions with the international community or continue to face sanctions targeting those closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to visit Ukraine briefly at the end of this week during a European trip.

Canada does not recognize the outcome of the referendum on Sunday where 97 per cent reportedly voted to secede from Ukraine.

Harper said this week the results are illegitimate and the vote was conducted under an illegal Russian military occupation.