Canada has announced further sanctions against Ukrainian rebels and Russian-backed Ukrainian entities.
The sanctions target eight Ukrainians in leadership positions in the rebel-held Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
As well, Ottawa says Russian arms, financial and energy companies are also facing further Canadian sanctions.
In a statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the measures are aimed at exerting more economic hardship on Russia.
The new targets add to the list of 110 individuals and entities that Canada alleges is responsible for violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
Meanwhile, one of Canada’s industrial giants, Bombardier Inc., says the Canadian sanctions already imposed on Russia could have an impact on the timeline of the company’s plans to set up a plant in the country.
The Montreal-based Bombardier hopes to conclude negotiations this year with Russian company Rostec for the assembly of 100 Q400 regional jets in a project estimated at $3.4 billion.
In Washington, U.S. President Barack Obama and Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte spoke by phone Thursday. Officials said the two leaders agreed that Russia is still working to destabilize Ukraine and that Russia should face more sanctions.
Mr. Obama was offering his condolences for the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in eastern Ukraine. Most of the 298 people aboard were Dutch citizens. One was Canadian.
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