Russia has suffered yet another big setback in its protracted war with Ukraine.
As a response to Moscow’s assault in Ukraine, New Zealand’s government imposed new sanctions against Russia on Monday, targeting members of the political elite as well as the country’s military sector.
The second set of penalties is aimed at 170 members of Russia’s Federation Council, the upper chamber of parliament.
According to CNN, it also includes six firms and organizations “which have contributed to the assault” in Ukraine.
In a statement on Monday, Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, said: “As President (Vladimir) Putin’s war machine continues its illegal attacks and as further revelations of atrocities come to light, we are determined to impose costs on those involved.
“We support the people of Ukraine, and we are committed to holding President Putin and his cadre of warmongers to account.”
“This will further prohibit those we have already sanctioned from carrying out activity in New Zealand and prevent New Zealand from becoming a financial safe haven for those involved with Russia’s illegal activities in Ukraine,” Mahuta added.
Recall that New Zealand had last month announced sanctions on Russian banks and financial institutions as a response to Moscow’s war in Ukraine.