OTTAWA -- The Conservative government has announced further sanctions against Ukrainian rebels and Russian-backed Ukrainian entities.

Eight Ukrainians in leadership positions in the rebel-held Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine have been targeted by the new sanctions, as have armed separatist groups known as the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic.

Russian arms, financial and energy companies are also facing further Canadian sanctions.

In a statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the measures are aimed at exerting more economic hardship on Russia.

Canada's Bombardier Inc., meantime, says the Canadian sanctions already imposed on Russia could have an impact on the timeline of the company's plans to set up a plant in the country.

The Montreal-based giant was hoping to conclude negotiations this year with Russian company Rostec for the assembly of 100 Q400 regional jets in a project estimated at $3.4 billion.

Company spokeswoman Marianella Delabarrera says Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B) is now being "realistic" about the possibility the project will be ready later than originally expected.