You're reading: CTV News: Canada bans entry of ‘key’ Ukrainian officials into Canada

 Canada will restrict entry of “key” Ukrainian government officials into the country, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced Tuesday in the wake of a violent crackdown on protesters in that country.

As the Conservative caucus stood behind him, Alexander said that the move is “effective immediately,” but did not specify which Ukrainian officials would be subject to the new measure.

“Recent actions by members of Ukraine's ruling elite in the face of popular and growing protests have been utterly deplorable, and compel us to take targeted and meaningful action,” Alexander said, adding that the federal government will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and consider taking further action if necessary.

 Read the story here