WANA (Nov 29) – New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, announced new sanctions against several Iranian individuals and companies, citing Iran’s alleged support for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

 

New Zealand targeted Iranians accused of involvement in missile and drone programs as part of its latest sanctions package aimed at countering Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.

 

Peters reiterated claims of Iran’s collaboration with Russia in the war, stating that the new sanctions target seven individuals and five companies. He alleged that these entities were involved in supplying ballistic missiles and drones to Russia.

 

“The transfer of weapons facilitates Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, and New Zealand condemns anyone supporting this war,” Peters said.

 

The Foreign Minister also highlighted that New Zealand’s Russia Sanctions Act, implemented in March 2022, has so far resulted in sanctions against over 1,700 individuals and entities.

 

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On February 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics in the Donbas region, citing Western disregard for Moscow’s security concerns.

 

Three days later, on February 24, Russia launched what it called a “special military operation” against Ukraine, escalating tensions into a full-scale military conflict.

 

In response, the U.S. and Western nations imposed extensive sanctions on Russia and provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid. New Zealand has also aligned with Kyiv, supporting Ukraine in a war that has caused thousands of casualties and displaced many.