Moscow mulls response to fresh Canadian sanctions against Russian MPs

Russia is examining a response to new sanctions imposed by Canada on 15 individuals, including six deputies of the country's lower house of parliament from Crimea, Russia news agencies reported Tuesday.

"The Foreign Ministry is likely to prepare certain proposals on this subject," Alexander Zhukov, first deputy speaker of the State Duma, was quoted by the RIA Novosti as saying.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Federation Council, or the upper house of parliament, Valentina Matviyenko warned that Ottawa's decision "will no doubt have a negative influence" on the Russian-Canadian relations.

Both parliamentarians gave no details of Moscow's possible response.

On Monday, Canada extended the list of individuals subjected to an asset freeze and dealings prohibition following Russia's State Duma elections on Sept. 18.

"Adding more sanctions is the most effective way to underscore the resounding message that together with the U.S. and the European Union, there is unity in responding to Russia's actions in Ukraine," the Canadian government said in a statement.

Crimea, formerly an autonomous republic of Ukraine, was incorporated into Russia in 2014 following a referendum recognized by Moscow, but rejected by Western powers.

The United States, the EU and a number of other countries have imposed a range of economic sanctions on Russian entities and individuals since the Ukraine crisis erupted in early 2014.

Russia has responded by introducing several bans on commodities, mainly foodstuffs, from those countries.

Prior to Canada, the six Crimean deputies were added to the sanctions list by the United States, the EU and Switzerland. Endi