Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced sanctions on Belarusian leaders and defence entities supporting Russia's actions in Ukraine, as part of the Government's ongoing response to the war.

'The Belarusian government military is enabling the illegal and unacceptable assault on Ukraine's sovereignty,” says Mahuta.

'Under the leadership of President Lukashenko, Belarusian territory has been used to launch attacks into Ukraine.

'Aotearoa New Zealand condemns all involved in assisting Russia in their unjustified and illegal war, and we call on Belarus to immediately renounce their support for this war.

'Alongside the international community, we are continuing to put real pressure on those supporting Putin and his despicable actions in Ukraine,” says Mahuta.

The latest round of sanctions extends to 27 Belarusian leaders and defence entities which have supported the invasion of Ukraine. This includes President Lukashenko, Belarusian military leaders and others, who are among those now listed under the Russia Sanctions Act.

New Zealand has also extended the full suite of its prohibitions to 12 Belarusian individuals who were included in the travel ban announced in March.

These sanctions join a number of actions New Zealand has taken in response to the ongoing illegal military action against Ukraine, including trade measures, humanitarian contributions, and providing military equipment to support Ukraine to defend itself.

Further information on sanctions taken under the Russia Sanctions Act 2022 can be found on the MFAT website: www.mfat.govt.nz/Russia-Sanctions

To date the Government has announced the following actions in response to the war in Ukraine:

• Banned exports to Russian military and security forces.
• Suspended diplomatic consultations with Russia.
• Passed the historic Russia Sanctions Act under which we have:

(Including those announced on Monday) Passed sanctions targeting:

o Vladimir Putin and his senior leadership on his Security Council.

o Over 500 members of the Russian parliament (State Duma and Federation Council).

o 28 entities including weapons makers, Donbas militia groups etc.

o 36 oligarchs and close family with close ties and influence with the Russian Government.

o 19 financial institutions in total.

o 8 individuals and entities involved in disinformation and cyber attacks on Ukraine.

o 23 Belarusian leaders.

• Banned all Russian Government aircraft and vessels from New Zealand waters.
• Announced a 35% tariff on all Russian imports to New Zealand that came into force 25 April.
• Extended the export ban to include industrial products of strategic importance.
• Extended the full suite of prohibitions to over 400 people who were captured by previously implemented travel bans.
• Provided direct support for Ukraine's self-defence:

o $5m of non-lethal military assistance to support Ukraine via the NATO Trust Fund and communications equipment procured from TAIT.

o Surplus NZDF equipment also sent to Ukraine. 1066 x Body Armour Plates, 473 x Helmets, 571 x Camouflage Vests/Harness Webbing.

o Deployment of 17 defence force personnel to the United Kingdom, Belgium and Germany, to support our partners in intelligence and engagement work, and logistical coordination.

o Deployment of NZDF C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and 50 support personnel to Europe.

o $7.5m to contribute to weapons and ammunition procurement by the United Kingdom.

o $4.1m to support commercial satellite access for the Ukrainian Defence Intelligence.

• Provided $8 million in humanitarian assistance to be distributed by the ICRC and UNHCR to support both refugees and those still inside Ukraine.
• Establishment of a special Ukraine visa for family members of Ukrainian New Zealanders plus other visa changes.

o Immigration NZ had received 844 Expressions of Interest to apply, and of those it has invited 656 people to submit an application.

o As a result, Immigration NZ has approved 609 of them so far.

• Approved $815,000 to support international legal efforts to hold Russia accountable including $315,000 to support the International Criminal Court investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.
• Provided $1m to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.