New Zealand has imposed another range of Russian related sanctions - the latest on officials installed by the Kremlin in separatist regimes in occupied areas of Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta says they build on earlier measures targeting political and military figures in separatist administrations in breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Today's actions affect 48 officials and one entity.
Mahuta said President Putin's proxies in Ukrainian territory were seeking to progress the Kremlin's policies and the objectives of its illegal occupation.
Putin's regime had appointed sympathisers as so-called ministers or mayors or in other role, in an attempt to shore up its illegal presence, and force political integration with Russia through economic, cultural and military control, Mahuta said.
Working in co-ordination with other countries, New Zealand has now placed sanctions on almost 900 individuals and entities, along with trade measures against Russia.