WATCH: Gregorgy Mamedov, Russia’s ambassador to Canada, said in an hour-long press conference Tuesday that the world cannot isolate Russia with sanctions, but even in the worst case scenario his country will not only survive, but prosper.
MONTREAL – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has announced additional sanctions following Sunday’s vote in Crimea to secede from Ukraine.
Baird says today that Canada will not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea to Russia and the treaty signed today to make it official.
READ MORE: What are Crimea’s first steps to leave Ukraine and join Russia?
The foreign affairs minister says 17 Ukranian and Russian officials have been added to a list of those who have had their assets frozen and will face travel bans.
WATCH: Gregorgy Mamedov, Russia’s ambassador to Canada, tells reporters during a press conference they should read Leo Tolstoy to understand Crimea’s place in Russia.
Baird says Russia had a chance to respond today by withdrawing troops to their bases, but instead there have been reports of violence and the death of a Ukrainian soldier.
READ MORE: How are Canada, the U.S. and the European Union reacting to the referendum results?
Baird says it is an unacceptable situation and Russia is facing a very clear choice – engage in discussions with the international community or continue to face sanctions targeting those closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to visit Ukraine briefly at the end of this week during a European trip.
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