Canada imposes sanctions on Russia

"Canada and Ukraine are steadfast partners and close friends. Alongside its international partners and allies, and in solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine, Canada unequivocally condemns Russia's decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Ukraine. Russia's action constitutes a brazen violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence and demonstrates a blatant disregard for international law," the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter, Report informs.

Trudeau announced that Canada would be imposing new sanctions: Impose restrictions on members of the Russian State Duma who voted for the decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk; Impose dealings ban on the non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, which will effectively prohibit Canadians from engaging in specific transactions and activities in these regions; Place new prohibitions on direct and indirect dealings in Russian sovereign debt; and; Impose sanctions on two significant Russian financial institutions in order to hinder Russia's ability to further fund its aggressive actions.

The PM also announced that Canada would be sending additional military contributions to support North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the face of rising tensions in the region. Canada will provide up to an additional 460 personnel to the approximately 800 currently deployed in Europe in support of NATO.