Russian diplomats blast latest Canadian sanctions as 'sad dj-vu'

Russian diplomats are less than impressed byCanada's new round of economicsanctions against Russian organizations and individuals, calling it a "sad dja-vu of purely domestic nature."

The sanctions announced by the Conservative government on Monday include a pro-Putin biker gang known as the Night Wolves.

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper says there must be ongoing consequences for Russia's aggression in Crimea.

However, in a statement,Russian Embassy spokesman Kirill Kalinincalls the sanctions a counterproductive step"motivated by vote-fishing" that"destroys the fabric of Russian-Canadian relations."

"It's high time for Canada to reverse this confrontational course that leads nowhere and bring back common sense, pragmatism and diplomacy," reads the statement.

Ban on Crimean imports, exports

The latest sanctionstarget four energy giants, including gas producers Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, Surgutneftegas and Transneft, a pipeline company.

Three Eurasian Youth Union leaders have also been hit with travel bans, joining a list that already includes the head of the Night Wolves.

The government has also imposed a ban on imports and exports from Crimea.

Harper says further steps were taken in co-ordination with international partners.

Canada continues to call on Russia to implement commitments outlined under the Minsk agreements.

Last August, Russia announced a year-long ban on certain agricultural imports from countries, including Canada, that imposed sanctions.