September 16, 2014 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement announcing further economic sanctions and travel bans against four Russian individuals, and economic sanctions against five Russian entities and one financial institution:

“Despite the efforts by President Poroshenko to end the violence in Eastern Ukraine, the Putin regime’s military aggression continues. For example, today we are seeing reports that President Putin has ordered a surge of troops in Crimea, and we have seen no evidence of progress on our calls for the Putin regime to end its support to the armed militants fomenting violence.

“Canada will continue to stand in steadfast support of the Ukrainian people as they struggle for peace and freedom against this aggression.

“Those responsible for fanning the flames of conflict will continue to face increased pressure through targeted sanctions.

“The sanctions imposed in coordination with our other allies are without a doubt having an effect on the Russian economy. Canada stands prepared to move farther with our allies and partners to hold the Putin regime accountable.”