New Zealand imposes sanctions on 18 Russian banks and financial institutions

New Zealand on Tuesday announced new sanctions against 18 Russian banks and financial institutions as part of an international response to Moscow’s “illegal” invasion of Ukraine.

“These large companies make up about 80% of the total Russian bank assets”New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaya Mahuta explained in a statement.

The measures affect a total of three Russian state-owned financial institutions and fifteen banks, including those responsible for the annexation of the oligarchy, the military and the Crimea.Added the official statement.

The list includes the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the Black Sea Development and Reconstruction Bank, the Moscow Credit Bank, Casprombank, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the Russian Agricultural Bank, Sberbank, and the Industrial Savings Bank.

Since the new law came into force in March, New Zealand has already imposed sanctions on 460 individuals and entities in Russia, including President Vladimir Putin, allowing the country to impose these kinds of selective measures.

Similarly, this maritime country will impose a 35% tax on all imports from Russia until April 25 and extend the embargo on the export of industrial goods to that country.

The New Zealand government announced last week that a C-130 Hercules aircraft, with 50 soldiers and eight military personnel, would be sent to Europe to send and deliver military aid to Ukraine.

New Zealand has already provided NZ $ 30 million (US $ 20.5 million or € 18.8 million) in funding, previously sending military intelligence assistance and non-lethal supplies.

The Wellington administration has backed Russia’s call for an investigation into alleged war crimes, and has also offered humanitarian assistance and a temporary welcome to relatives of Ukrainians living in the country.

(With information from EFE)

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