Canada says more Russia sanctions coming

Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Tuesday announced more sanctions against Russia, after the EU and US rolled new measures targeting Russia’s economy for its support for rebels in Ukraine. AFP FILE PHOTO

OTTAWA–Canada’s prime minister on Tuesday announced more sanctions against Russia, after the EU and US rolled new measures targeting Russia’s economy for its support for rebels in Ukraine.

It will mark the 11th round of sanctions imposed by Canada against Russia since March, targeting until recently mostly individuals and companies with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Arguably its last round of sanctions last week aimed at Russia’s arms, financial and energy sectors were already tougher or as strong as what the United States and Europe unveiled on Tuesday.

Regardless, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the new round will bring Canada in “close coordination” with its two allies.

“In the wake of continued aggression by Russia, which includes the ongoing supply of logistical support and weapons systems to agents of the Putin regime in eastern Ukraine, Canada is announcing its intent to once again increase economic and political pressure, in the coming days, by imposing additional sanctions on the regime and those closest to it,” Harper said in a statement.

Details of the Canadian sanctions are expected in the coming days.