New Zealand Sanctions Individuals and Entities Linked to Iranian Government for Supporting Russia in Ukraine War

New Zealand has added 28 individuals and 14 other entities, including several individuals and organizations linked to the Islamic Republic, to its sanctions list for assisting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine by supplying weapons and strategic support. Winston Peters, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, announced this news on Wednesday, May 15, stating that the sanctioned individuals and entities support Russia's military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, which attacks the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: 'As part of the new sanctions, New Zealand targets individuals and entities from North Korea and the Iranian government that play a role in transferring military aid to Russia.' Peters mentioned that the transfer of drones from the Islamic Republic to Russia aids this country’s illegal war in Ukraine. Over the past two years, New Zealand has sanctioned ten individuals and six entities linked to the Islamic Republic involved in the construction and transfer of drones to Russia on two occasions. Nanaia Mahuta, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, stated: 'The supply and construction of drones for Russia is a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. These drones target civilians and critical infrastructure, causing devastation and suffering for the people of Ukraine.' The new round of sanctions against Russia also targets individuals facilitating the forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and regions of Ukraine occupied by Russia. Since the enactment of the 'Russia Sanctions Act' following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on over 1,700 individuals and entities. The United States has also recently imposed new sanctions aimed at reducing the Kremlin's ability to advance the war in Ukraine and limiting Russia's revenue and access to materials and tools necessary to continue the war. The U.S. Treasury Department stated on Wednesday, April 12, that the new sanctions target the base of Russia's military industries and its chemical and biological weapons. The new U.S. sanctions also include companies and individuals in third countries like China that assist Russia in obtaining weapons or other defense products, enabling it to continue its war against Ukraine, which poses a serious threat to international security. Approximately 300 entities or individuals sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and State Departments include dozens of actors that help Russia procure technology and tools from abroad. Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, stated in a release that her department has repeatedly warned that companies providing materials and tools needed to support Russia's war in Ukraine will face 'very severe' consequences. In addition to nearly 200 individuals and companies sanctioned by the Treasury Department, the State Department has also sanctioned over 80 entities and individuals that have attempted to circumvent sanctions or have engaged in activities related to chemical and biological weapons and strengthening Russia's defense base. Blinken in Ukraine: The Islamic Republic of Iran, North Korea, and China have provided weapons to Russia. Australia and the European Union have sanctioned several officials and entities of the Islamic Republic. An American official is going to Asia to discuss sanctions against the Islamic Republic and Russia. The U.S. states that Russia has violated the international prohibition on the use of chemical weapons. Borrell explained the drone and missile sanctions against the Islamic Republic to Amir-Abdollahian. The U.S. has sanctioned 300 individuals and entities in relation to support for Russia in the war against Ukraine.