New Zealand announces new sanctions against Russia, Belarus

The New Zealand government on Friday, July 21, announced new sanctions against 23 Russian and Belarusian individuals and legal entities in response to Russia's illegal and unjustified assault on Ukraine.

That's according to a press release posted on the official website of the New Zealand government, Ukrinform reports.

"The New Zealand [government] continues to stand in support of Ukraine and condemns the individuals and entities contributing to Russia's abhorrent actions. […] Three Russian individuals covered by these sanctions were recently involved in separating children from their families by facilitating deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. […] New Zealand condemns these abhorrent, despicable and immoral acts and calls on Russia to immediately cease its ongoing violent assault on Ukraine, its people and its children," Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said.

According to the press release, the sanctions target 14 individuals and entities of the Russian military-industrial complex.

"They develop, manufacture or procure weapons, electronic components and technology (such as microelectronics and semiconductors) used by Russia to wage its aggressive war against Ukraine," Mahuta added.

She said that Belarus is actively supporting Russia as it continues to breach international law and fracture international peace and security – the very thing Russia is obliged to protect and maintain as a Member of the United Nations Security Council.

"The six Belarusian entities being sanctioned include Belarus banks and show New Zealand's continued condemnation of Belarus' actions," Mahuta said.

Since the passing of the Russia Sanctions Act in March 2022, the New Zealand government has adopted more than 20 rounds of sanctions on over 1,500 individuals and entities.