New Zealand introduces a new package of sanctions against Russia and Belarus

A new package of sanctions against Russia and Belarus was adopted in New Zealand because of the situation at Zaporizhzhya NPP (ZNPP). This became known on September 24 from a statement on the website of the government of the country.

"Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced additional sanctions as part of the government's ongoing response. <...> These new sanctions are directed against five individuals and six organizations", - stated in the text of the statement.

It is specified that the sanctions were imposed on Russian and Belarusian "entities, individuals and legal entities," which are involved in the conflict concerning the ZNPP. The New Zealand government emphasized that these measures were approved and created in conjunction with 35 partner countries.

Previously, New Zealand expanded the list of sanctions in May. The list was supplemented with 28 Russians and 14 Russian companies. The previous package of anti-Russian sanctions was announced by New Zealand on February 29. Then it included 45 Russian citizens and 16 organizations.

Western states have increased sanctions pressure on Russia against the background of the special operation to protect the population of Donbass. The decision to launch the operation was made by Vladimir Putin amid an aggravation of the situation in the region due to Ukrainian shelling.