New Zealand has imposed sanctions on 33 individuals and organisations involved in supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine. The decision was announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters. The sanctions target individuals from Russia, North Korea and Iran; the new list covers the military, cyber, information and humanitarian dimensions of the aggression.
Briefly about the main points
- Thirty-three individuals have been added to New Zealand’s sanctions list.
- Representatives of the Russian military-industrial complex have been added to the list.
- The restrictions have affected cybercriminals, propagandists and those involved in the trafficking of children.
- The list includes citizens and organisations from North Korea and Iran.
- Wellington’s sanctions regime against Russia has been in place since 2022.
The list includes the military-industrial complex, cyber organisations and those involved in the relocation of children
According to Peters, the sanctions are targeted at various elements of the system that enables Russia to continue its full-scale aggression. Those targeted include representatives of the Russian military-industrial complex and cybercriminals whose activities are linked to the promotion of Russian interests.
New Zealand also links some of the individuals on the list to the abduction and forced displacement of Ukrainian children. The sanctions have been extended to include those involved in anti-Ukrainian propaganda and providing information support for the aggression.
In addition, citizens and organisations from North Korea and Iran have been added to the list; according to the country’s authorities, they are aiding the Russian invasion.
The previous package covered 20 targets in May
In May New Zealand had already imposed restrictions on 20 individuals and organisations. The package of measures at that time targeted representatives of the Russian defence-industrial complex, those involved in malicious cyber activities, and entities from North Korea and Iran that were assisting Russia.
According to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the May list included 11 legal entities and nine individuals. Among the targets was also a provider of alternative payment and cryptocurrency services which, according to Wellington, facilitated the circumvention of sanctions.
Wellington’s sanctions regime is regularly being expanded
Wellington introduced its own sanctions regime following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. In February, the country announced its 34th round of restrictions, which included, among other things, 100 vessels from Russia’s «shadow fleet».
At the same time, New Zealand lowered the price cap on Russian crude oil from US$47.60 to US$44.10 per barrel and imposed restrictions on individuals and entities from Belarus, Iran and North Korea. The official register covers individuals, companies, vessels and other entities linked to Russian aggression.
For those included on the list, the regime imposes a ban on entry into or transit through New Zealand, as well as restrictions on financial transactions and the disposal of assets within its jurisdiction. The sanctions have been extended until 17 March 2028.
