Because of the war in Ukraine, the New Zealand authorities imposed sanctions against 22 citizens of Russia and Belarus, including against the daughters of Vladimir Putin, Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova, against the wife and one of the sons of Alexander Lukashenko, as well as four enterprises in the oil and gas and steel sectors. This was announced by the head of the country's Foreign Ministry, Nanaiya Mahuta.
Among others, the wife and children of press secretary Dmitry Peskov and the chairman of the Central Bank, Elvira Nabiullina, were under sanctions.
The minister recalled that New Zealand first came up with sanctions against the Russian political and economic elite back in March of this year, followed by sanctions in May and September. The new sanctions target 22 members of the elite who support Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Mahuta claims that all the citizens on the list were rewarded with wealth and influence for their loyalty.
“Russia relies on the continued support of those in power and influence as it continues its illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.”
In addition, four enterprises of economic or strategic importance for the Russian Federation in the oil and gas, metallurgical and transport sectors, as well as in radar systems and electronic equipment, fell under the restrictions.
“Today's sanctions continue to demonstrate our clear condemnation of the threats to Ukraine's sovereignty and the human cost of this illegal war. As members of the political and economic elite, these individuals contribute to Russian aggression in Ukraine. We continue to take action against those whose support contributes to the conflict, as well as to put pressure on Putin and other leaders who are waging this war.”
According to the head of the department, the sanctions include a ban on entry, on transactions with assets or services, shares or securities, a ban on superyachts or aircraft entering New Zealand. In total, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 1,200 individuals and entities and has taken measures that have significantly reduced trade with Russia.
Previously, New Zealand imposed sanctions against "neo-Nazi paramilitaries" associated with Wagner PMCs, as well as against some Russian military-industrial complex enterprises and their leaders.