OTTAWA — Canada says it's intensifying economic sanctions against Russian individuals and companies in response to the tense situation in eastern Ukraine.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the move is being made in co-ordination with Canada's partners in Europe and the United States in response to what he says is Russia's backing of rebel forces in eastern Ukraine.
He says 17 Russian and Ukrainian organizations are affected by Canada's latest economic sanctions, including Rosneft — the Russian oil giant.
He also announced sanctions and travel bans against 37 Russian and Ukrainian individuals, including Russia's deputy minister of defence.
The announcement was made late Tuesday before a key rail hub in eastern Ukraine fell to separatist forces.
