Australia, Canada Impose Sanctions on Russia over Ukraine Crisis

Australia and Canada issued sanctions against Russia, on Tuesday, after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized two Ukrainian regions as independent states.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the sanctions decision, noting that they would include targeted travel bans and financial sanctions against members of Russia's national security council, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

"The invasion of Ukraine has effectively already begun. This invasion is unjustified, it's unwarranted, it's unprovoked and it's unacceptable," Morrison said. "We cant have some suggestion that Russia has some just case here they're prosecuting — they are behaving like thugs and bullies."

In like manner, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Russia's actions on Monday a "violation of Russia's obligations under international law and the charter of the United Nations."

"Canada also denounces Russian military actions, including orders to move into Ukraine, which is a clear incursion of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Make no mistake this is a further invasion of a sovereign state and it is completely unacceptable," Trudeau said.

Trudeau affirmed that all Canadians would be banned from taking part in "financial dealings with the so-called independents states of Luhansk and Donetsk." Canadians will also be banned from purchasing Russian sovereign debt.

In addition to Canda and Australia, Japan also imposed sanctions on Russia that would involve prohibiting Russian bonds from being issued in Japan, freezing the bank accounts of certain Russian inpiduals and restricting travel to Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: "Russia's actions very clearly damage Ukraine's sovereignty and go against international law. We once again criticise these moves and strongly urge Russia to return to diplomatic discussions."