Canada slaps sanctions against more Russians, Ukrainians

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Monday announced that Canada has imposed economic sanctions and travel bans against an additional six Russians and six Ukrainians

"Today, we are announcing sanctions against an additional six Russian and six Ukrainian individuals who have facilitated Russia' s violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity," Xinhua quoted the prime minister as saying in a statement.

He said Russia's illegal occupation of Ukraine and provocative military activity remains a serious concern to the international community, and the situation in Ukraine constitutes a grave breach of international peace and security.

"The international community will continue to apply pressure until Russia de-escalates. The Putin regime's aggression will not go unanswered," said the prime minister.

Early this month, Russia vowed to retaliate upon new sanctions from the US and Canada, but stressed it would not publicise those who were placed on the Russian blacklist.