New Zealand to rush through new law to sanction Russia

New Zealand's government said Monday it plans to rush through a new law that will allow it to impose economic sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the new legislation would allow it to target people, companies and assets connected to those in Russia associated with the military actions, including oligarchs. It would allow New Zealand to freeze assets and stop superyachts or planes from arriving.

“A bill of this nature has never been brought before our parliament, but it is essential given Russia’s vetoing of sanctions through the UN,” Ardern said.

The bill will be specific only to the situation in Ukraine but could allow New Zealand to impose sanctions on countries seen to be helping Russia, such as Belarus.

In addition, the prime minister said that the New Zealand authorities expanded the sanctions list of Russian citizens, adding Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, as well as Foreign and Defense Ministers Sergey Lavrov and Sergey Shoigu to it.