Winston Peters announces new sanctions against Russia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters.
Photo: RNZ/REECE BAKER

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced new chemical weapons and missile sanctions against Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

“These new sanctions are in response to recent findings by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons that illegal riot control agents are being used on the front lines in Ukraine,” Peters said in a statement.

“This is consistent with reports we have heard throughout the year that Russia is using chemical weapons on the battlefield, in clear violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.”

The new sanctions package also targets Iranians involved in the supply of ballistic missiles and drones to Russia, as well as Russians who facilitate this trade.

“New Zealand is part of a broader international sanctions effort, condemning and holding accountable those who support Russia’s illegal actions,” Peters said.

New Zealand also joins Australia in a ‘Call to Action’ over sanctions-evading ‘shadow fleet’ activities.

In their efforts to evade sanctions, shadow fleet vessels have a pattern of ignoring maritime safety and environmental regulations, avoiding insurance costs, and engaging in other unlawful actions.

‘The ‘shadow fleet’ poses a significant threat to all countries’ the statement says.

Since the Russian Sanctions Act came into force in March 2022, following the Russian invasion in February, New Zealand has sanctions imposed on more than 1,700 individuals and entities.