New Zealand’s government said on Monday (March 7) it will introduce legislation to allow it to impose sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
When passed, it will be the first time New Zealand would have levied sanctions individually on a country.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the sanctions will give the country the ability to freeze Russian assets in New Zealand, prevent people and companies from moving their money and assets here to escape sanctions imposed by other countries, and stop super yachts, ships and aircraft from entering the country’s waters or airspace.
Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation.” New Zealand has previously only been able to implement sanctions when the United Nations Security Council has imposed them.
The Security Council will not be able to impose sanctions against Russia as Russia has the power to veto them.
