New Zealand sanctions 75 individuals and 2 Russian companies

WASHINGTON. Oct 11 (Interfax) - New Zealand has added 51 Russian citizens, 24 officials related to the territories that recently joined Russia and two Russian companies to its sanctions list over the situation in Ukraine.

According to the updated list published by New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the latest designations include Gazprombank CEO Andrei Akimov, former president and former general director of Lukoil Vagit Alekperov, Chairman of the Board of JSC Rosgeologiya and head of Vnesheconombank Sergei Gorkov, and Mercury Group owner and President Igor Kesayev.

The latest additions to the sanctions list also include General Director of Rostec's Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheyev, CEO of Russian gas company PJSC Novatek Leonid Mikhelson, founder and former chairman of the board of directors of Rusagro Vadim Moshkovich, and MMC Norilsk Nickel President Vladimir Potanin.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta was quoted by the 1News television channel as saying in a statement that sanctions were also imposed on chairman of the Evraz Group board of directors Alexander Abramov, who "has links to New Zealand."

"Mr Abramov and his family members will be subject to a travel ban, and their aircraft and vessels will be banned from entering our airspace and ports," the minister said.

Furthermore, in accordance with the list published by the ministry, sanctions were also introduced against deputy chairman of the Kherson region's government Vladimir Bespalov, head of the Zaporozhye region's government Anton Koltsov and a number of officials from the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics and the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions.

JSC Goznak and the IMA-Consulting PR agency were also designated.

"The intention of our sanctions is to exert pressure on Russia, not punish innocent New Zealanders," Mahuta said.