New Zealand places further sanctions against Russia supporters

New Zealand has placed another round of sanctions targeting those supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The latest package targets 33 individuals and groups, with a particular focus on cyber actors, and those involved in the forced relocation, abduction and re-education of Ukrainian children.

The sanctions also target people supporting Russia's military-industrial complex, political figures, and North Koreans and Iranians providing support to Moscow.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand remained concerned about the treatment of Ukrainian children.

"Children should never be used as instruments of war," he said. "New Zealand remains deeply concerned by efforts to abduct and re-educate Ukrainian children through co-ercive state-directed programmes."

The package also targets malicious cyber actors and people involved in spreading anti-Ukraine propaganda aimed at legitimising Russia's invasion.

Peters said cyber activity could have real-world consequences, including helping Russia gather intelligence, evade sanctions and disrupt opponents of its war.

"New Zealand stands with our partners in calling out Moscow's use of these actors."

This is New Zealand's 36th round of sanctions against Russia, since the Russia Sanctions Act came into force in March 2022.

More than 2000 individuals, entities and vessels have now been sanctioned by New Zealand, alongside trade measures targeting Russia.