Sanctions for 170 Russian politicians

The Government has added 170 Russian politicians and six defence sector companies to its sanctions list, as ‘‘Putin’s war machine’’ continues its invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta yesterday evening announced that the ‘‘full suite’’ of sanctions had now been placed on more than 400 Russian leaders, oligarchs, and their family members who previously had at a minimum been banned from travelling to New Zealand.

A further 170 politicians who make up the upper house of Russia’s parliament had been placed on the sanctions list, and six defence companies and organisations that had contributed to Russia’s war against Ukraine had also been added.

‘‘As President Putin’s war machine continues its illegal attacks and as further revelations of atrocities come to light, we are determined to impose costs on those involved,’’ Mahuta said in a statement.

The further sanctioning of the full 400 Russians on the Government’s list would ‘‘further prohibit those we have already sanctioned from carrying out activity in New Zealand, and prevent New Zealand from becoming a financial safe haven for those involved with Russia’s illegal activities in Ukraine’’, she said.

The Government two weeks ago targeted major banks and financial institutions in Russia.

It was expected that new sanctions would be announced fortnightly.

Russia has retaliated against New Zealand’s sanctions, which include a 35% tariff on all Russian imported goods.

Last month, the Kremlin ‘‘blacklisted’’ 130 New Zealanders, including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand Cabinet ministers, parliamentarians from all political parties, the GovernorGeneral and military and spy chiefs, barring them from travelling to Russia.