Russia has banned 36 more New Zealanders, including mayors, journalists, public figures, and defense force leaders. These individuals are accused of “shaping an anti-Russian agenda.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that entry to the country is “closed in perpetuity” for those on the list. This action is a response to New Zealand’s “politically-motivated” sanctions against Russian individuals and entities.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that as New Zealand continues its anti-Russia policies and sanctions, they will keep updating their stop list.
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressed disappointment but not surprise, noting that Russia’s actions are consistent with their attacks on press freedom. The sanctions also target members of New Zealand’s Defence Force who have been training Ukrainian troops for self-defense.
Despite these sanctions, New Zealand remains committed to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
This isn’t the first time Russia has issued such sanctions. In April 2022, 130 New Zealanders, including former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Governor-General Cindy Kiro, were barred from entering Russia. In July 2022, another 32 were added to the list, and in January 2023, 31 more New Zealanders faced similar bans, including TVNZ’s former CEO Simon Power and Clarke Gayford, the husband of former Prime Minister Ardern.
