Canadian fighter jets are leaving for Europe Tuesday morning to join NATO patrols as tensions rise over Russia's efforts to destabilize neighbouring Ukraine, sources say.
The warplanes depart as Group of Seven countries including Canada announce they are imposing new sanctions on Russia because of Moscow's attempts to foment rebellion in eastern Ukraine.
Six CF-18 Hornets are being deployed to Romania and the jets leaving from Canadian Forces Base Bagotville in Quebec.
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The United States announced Monday it would freeze assets and impose visa bans on seven powerful Russians close to President Vladimir Putin, and introduced sanctions against 17 companies in reprisal for Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
Canada announced that it would slap economic sanctions on nine Russians and two Russian banks. Travel bans are also being imposed on the nine individuals.
With a report from Associated Press