Canada is gearing-up to announce more sanctions against Russia in response to Crimea’s vote to secede from Ukraine.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Sunday’s referendum result is illegitimate and was conducted under an illegal military occupation by Russia.

Harper says it’s important to keep the pressure on Russia.

Earlier today in Ottawa the Prime Minister met with the Ukrainian ambassador to Canada.

Harper is set to fly to Kyiv on Friday to show his support for the temporary government of Ukraine – in the face of Russian aggression in the strategic Black Sea region.

U-S President Barack Obama says new sanctions he’s imposing on Russian officials make it clear “that there are consequences for their actions in Crimea.”

Obama is warning that America stands ready to impose further sanctions if necessary.

The U-S announcement came shortly after the European Union announced travel bans and asset freezes on 21 people – in connection with the Crimean situation.