Winston Peters announces more Russian sanctions
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters.
Photo:
VNP/Louis Collins
New Zealand has imposed more sanctions on individuals the government says are "crucial enablers" of Russia's illegal war against Ukraine.
Since 2022, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 1800 individuals and entities.
The latest round targets supporters from North Korea, Iran, and Belarus.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand would continue to hold Russia and its enablers accountable.
"Military support from actors in North Korea, Iran, and Belarus has helped Russia sustain its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," he said.
New Zealand is also following Australia in sanctioning vessels from what has been called the 'shadow fleet'.
The fleet of oil tankers have so far been able to avoid sanctions, and further enable the trade of illicit Russian oil and gas. Twenty-seven vessels will be sanctioned.
"The designation of Russia's 'shadow fleet' reflects a joint effort with like-minded international partners to prevent sanctions evasion and to maintain the pressure on Russia in support of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine," Peters said.
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