The Government has announced its second-largest round of sanctions against 87 Russian individuals after Russia launched its war against Ukraine one year ago.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said Aotearoa's resolve to stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin's war is "undiminished".
"Over the last year, this conflict has cost thousands of innocent lives, uprooted families, transformed once peaceful cities into battlegrounds, and destroyed livelihoods."
On Friday, Minister Mahuta said the group of 87 Russian individuals include political actors who have strategic relevance to Russia and proximity to President Putin.
"It also includes Members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation, who sought to legitimise the attack on Ukraine's sovereignty through sham referenda in the illegally annexed regions of Ukraine."
Minister Mahuta said military personnel who have been sanctioned have had "active roles" in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"As with our previous sanctions, these automatically extend to relatives and associates of listed persons."
She said it stands alongside Aoteaora's broader response in providing military, humanitarian, legal and financial support to Ukraine.
"The extent of the measures taken by Aotearoa New Zealand to condemn Russia’s illegal invasion, and support Ukraine's self-defence, is unprecedented, and our contributions have been welcomed by Ukraine, and our international partners."
Mahuta added Russia's actions continue to implicate global peace, security and economic stability - which is impacting Aotearoa.
"Ukraine's self-defence is also a fight to defend core principles that New Zealanders hold dear: territorial integrity; freedom fundamental human rights; and an international rules-based system that we rely on for our peace and prosperity."
Since March 9, 2022, when Parliament unanimously passed the Russia Sanctions Act, the Government has sanctioned over 1000 people, 350 entities and implemented a raft of trade measures.
"A year on from Russia's senseless invasion, our call to President Putin remains the same. We continue to call on Russia to act consistently on its international obligations, cease Russia's military aggression, withdraw troops and then return to meaningful diplomatic negotiations," Mahuta said.
"Aotearoa New Zealand will continue to stand in steadfast support of Ukraine, and its people."
More information about the Government's sanctions, travel bans, and export controls against Russia and Belarus, as well as diplomatic, military and economic support to Ukraine, can be found here.
