New Zealand has announced the introduction of new sanctions targeting Russian and Belarusian companies and individuals. Additionally, four individuals from North Korea and two from Iran, linked to supporting Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, have been added to the sanctions list. This information was released by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The sanctions affect eight individuals and ten legal entities. They cover enterprises connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex, as well as individuals from North Korea, Iran, and Belarus who actively support Russia’s military efforts.

“The sanctions are aimed at entities connected to the Russian military-industrial complex, as well as supporters from North Korea, Iran, and Belarus”

– Winston Peters, New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs

Furthermore, Wellington has imposed restrictions on 27 vessels belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet.

Among the Russian companies targeted by the sanctions are aviation industry enterprises, including the commercial drone operator “Aeroscan” and the combat aircraft developer “OKB named after A.S. Yakovlev.” Also sanctioned is Russia’s largest manufacturer of automatic weapons and ammunition – the Kalashnikov Concern.

Since March 2022, New Zealand has imposed restrictions more than 35 times against Russian enterprises and individuals, as well as foreign legal and natural persons involved in supporting Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine.

To date, over 1,800 Russians have been subjected to various restrictions, including trade and financial sanctions. Among them are Russian President Vladimir Putin, government members, leadership of the Russian Security Council, deputies of the State Duma and Federation Council, as well as governors and Russian-appointed “leaders” of the occupied Ukrainian territories.

New Zealand’s sanctions also cover about 400 Russian companies, 20 financial institutions including the Central Bank of Russia, as well as 37 propaganda media outlets and journalists.

It is worth recalling that earlier Australia introduced sanctions for the first time against 60 vessels of Russia’s tanker fleet.