OTTAWA — Canada has slapped fresh economic sanctions and travel bans on some Russian and Ukrainian groups and individuals.
The sanctions and bans come amid reports Russia is massing thousands of troops along the Ukrainian border.
The measures, aimed at some 19 people and 22 groups and banks, follow previous sanctions and travel bans by Canada.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Russia’s occupation of the Crimean Peninsula and provocative military activity in eastern Ukraine is a “grave concern” to Canada and the world.
Canada is prepared to take further actions if Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government continues its military aggression, Harper said in a statement.
“President Putin has not provided any indication that he is prepared to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity or use his control over Russian-backed agents to end the violence in Ukraine,” he said.
“On the contrary, reports indicate that, despite the criminal downing of MH 17, Russia continues to provide logistical support and sophisticated weapons to its agents in eastern Ukraine.”
Last month, all 298 people aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which was travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, were killed when the aircraft was shot down over contested territory in eastern Ukraine.
Fighting is still raging in eastern Ukraine between government forces and pro-Russian separatists.
Western leaders have accused Russia of building up forces along the border — a claim Russia denies.