The New Zealand government has announced the imposition of new sanctions targeting individuals and organizations that support Russia’s war in Ukraine, particularly those involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children. This was announced by New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
According to a press release on the government’s website, Peters emphasized that the use of children as instruments of war is unacceptable. “New Zealand is concerned about attempts to abduct and forcibly re-educate Ukrainian children through state-sponsored programs,” he said.
The new sanctions target 33 individuals and organizations, with a particular focus on cybercriminals and those facilitating the forced displacement and abduction of children from Ukraine. The sanctions also target cybercriminal groups and individuals who spread anti-Ukrainian propaganda aimed at legitimizing Russia’s illegal actions.
“Crimes committed with a keyboard have real consequences. Cybercriminals are increasingly being used to gather intelligence, evade sanctions, and undermine the activities of those who oppose Russian aggression,” Peters emphasized.
The announced sanctions also target individuals who contribute to the development of Russia’s military-industrial complex, Russian political figures, as well as entities from North Korea and Iran that support Moscow’s illegal invasion.
