On Monday, New Zealand will extend its sanctions against Russia, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced. The new measures should target those responsible for or involved in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the prime minister said.

“A bill of this nature has never been introduced to our parliament, but with Russia vetoing UN sanctions, we must act ourselves to support Ukraine and our partners in resisting this invasion,” Ardern said. Sanctions may be imposed on people, services, companies and assets associated with those in Russia responsible for or involved in the invasion or of economic or strategic importance to Russia, including oligarchs.

Funds in New Zealand can be frozen. And those sanctioned will also be prevented from moving assets to New Zealand or using the financial system as a “back door” to bypass sanctions imposed by other countries, the prime minister said.

Russian superyachts, ships and planes could also be banned from New Zealand’s waters or airspace. Ardern: “The bill also makes it possible to impose sanctions on other states complicit in Russia’s illegal actions, such as Belarus”.