Canada to impose new sanctions on Russia over "sham" Ukraine referendums

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes part in a news conference about the federal government's response to Hurricane Fiona, later downgraded to post-tropical storm, in Ottawa

(Reuters) -Canada will impose new sanctions over Russia's "sham" referendums in four occupied regions of Ukraine, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

Trudeau said Canada would never recognise the results of the referendums or Russia's attempted illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories.

"We intend to impose new sanctions against persons and entities that are complicit in this latest attempt to undermine the principles of state sovereignty, and that share responsibility for the ongoing senseless bloodshed across Ukraine," Trudeau said in a statement.

Russian-installed officials in four occupied regions of Ukraine reported huge majorities on Tuesday in favour of becoming part of Russia after five days of voting.

Trudeau said Canada was engaging with international partners and allies for a united rejection of the "illegitimate votes".

(Reporting by Maria Ponnezhath in Bengaluru; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman, Robert Birsel)