IN RESPONSE TO SANCTIONS, RUSSIA BARS ENTRY TO 32 NEW ZEALANDERS

Sat 30 July 2022:

Russia’s foreign ministry on Saturday announced sanctions against 32 officials and journalists from New Zealand for supporting what it called the country’s “Russophobic agenda.”

The list includes Shane Arndell, deputy chief of the naval forces, and Wellington mayor Andy Foster, among other officials.

The sanctions bar the targeted individuals from entering Russia indefinitely, the ministry said.

“Taking into account that Wellington does not intend to abandon its anti-Russian course and continues to produce new restrictions (against Moscow), work on updating the ‘black list’ will continue,” the ministry added.

Support

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern has expressed support for Ukraine.

According to a report from RNZ, during her trade mission to Europe, Ardern received an invitation to visit Kyiv, but she stated that logistical difficulties prevented her from accepting. Further, when Ardern spoke with Zelensky, she was in Brussels, making it the first time both the leaders have communicated since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy also thanked and appreciated New Zealand for its assistance and said that further support will be needed as Kyiv is looking forward to rebuilding the nation after the conflict, which Ardern expressed support for, NZ Herald reported.

Meanwhile, earlier in the month of April, Jacinda Ardern had declared that a C-130 Hercules aircraft would be sent to Europe with 50 members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to help with the delivery of donated military assistance to Ukraine. Following the weekly Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ardern as well as Defence Minister Peeni Henare pledged further assistance for Ukraine in the wake of the Russian incursion.

The Cabinet of New Zealand has also decided to contribute an extra $13 million for aid in the areas of military, legal, and human rights, which includes $7.5 million for purchasing arms and ammunition through the United Kingdom. According to media reports, Ardern added that $4.1 million would be set aside for Ukraine’s commercial satellite communication, which will give Ukrainian officials access to nearly real-time intelligence and enable them to react to Russia’s tactical manoeuvres.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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