Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced additional sanctions on Russian entities, alongside further support for Ukraine’s recovery and rebuild.
It comes as the world marks three years on Monday since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The new sanctions target entities involved in Russia’s military-industrial complex, its energy sector, North Korean support of Russia, and the forced relocation and re-education of Ukrainian children.
“Russia’s illegal invasion has brought three years of devastation to Ukraine’s people, environment, and infrastructure,” Peters said.
The government will also make a $3 million contribution to the World Bank-administered Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund.
“The Fund supports the Government of Ukraine to maintain services, conduct relief efforts, and plan and implement recovery, reconstruction and reforms,” Peters said.
The Russia Sanctions Act entered into force in March 2022, a month after the invasion, with New Zealand imposing sanctions on more than 1800 individuals and entities.
These also include a ban on all Russian and Belarusian government and military aircraft and vessels from New Zealand, a ban on exports to Russian and Belarusian military and security forces, and a suspension of bilateral Foreign Ministry consultations with Russia.
Several trade measures, including a 35 percent tariff on all Russian imports to New Zealand have also been imposed.
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