Sanctions imposed by EU, US and Canada on Russian officials over Ukraine attacks

The United States, together with the European Union and Canada, Friday slapped new sanctions on more than a dozen Russian officials and businesses in response to the country's "continued aggression in Ukraine." "Today's action targets individuals and entities playing a role in Russia's unjustified attacks on Ukrainian naval vessels in the Kerch Strait, the purported annexation of Crimea, and backing of illegitimate separatist government elections in eastern Ukraine," said a statement from the US Treasury.

Six officials were targeted, along with six Russian defense firms, and two Russian energy and construction companies operating in Crimea.