28 Nov 2024 12:29

New Zealand expands Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia

LONDON. Nov 28 (Interview) - New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced another package of sanctions against Russia related to the Ukraine crisis on Thursday.

"These new sanctions respond to recent findings by the Organization for the prohibition of chemical weapons that illegal riot control agents are being used on the frontlines in Ukraine," the New Zealand Foreign Ministry cited Peters as saying.

Restrictions will also apply to Iranians allegedly providing Russia with ballistic missiles and drones and Russians allegedly facilitating such trade, it said.

In all, sanctions apply to seven individuals and five entities. The ministry did not say who exactly the sanctions were imposed on.

The ministry said that New Zealand had sanctioned over 1,700 individuals and entities in connection with Russia's actions since March 2022.

Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Forces Commander Igor Kirillov said in early October that Ukraine was plotting provocations to accuse Russia of using toxins in the special military operation zone.