New Zealand issues 36th sanctions package against Russia

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced an additional sanctions package targeting individuals and entities supporting Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. This marks the 36th sanctions package imposed by the country against Russia since March 2022. The new sanctions specifically target 33 individuals and legal entities, with a focus on cybercriminals, those involved in the forced displacement and abduction of Ukrainian children, and those engaged in re-education efforts.

Peters emphasized that no child should be used as a tool of war and expressed deep concern over state-run coercive programs aimed at abducting and re-educating Ukrainian children. The sanctions also encompass cyber actors and those responsible for generating and disseminating anti-Ukrainian propaganda to legitimize Russia's actions.

Peters emphasized that actions carried out online can have tangible consequences, as cyber actors are increasingly utilized for intelligence gathering, evading sanctions, and targeting opponents of Russian aggression. He reaffirmed New Zealand's condemnation of Moscow's use of such tactics alongside its partners. The sanctions extend to individuals backing Russia's military-industrial complex, political figures from Russia, and representatives of North Korea and Iran who support Russia's war in Ukraine.

Since the implementation of the Russia Sanctions Act in March 2022, New Zealand has restricted over 2,000 individuals, companies, and vessels, coupled with various trade measures. This brings the total number of sanctions packages New Zealand has imposed against Russia to 36. Ukraine's Acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had previously dismissed Russia's proposal to include abducted children in prisoner exchange lists, deeming it unacceptable.

Yale University researchers estimate that Russia may be holding up to 35,000 Ukrainian children, considered missing, either within Russian territory or in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories.