New Zealand announces new aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia
New Zealand provides Ukraine with a new aid package of 8 million New Zealand dollars and imposes additional sanctions against the Russian military machine.
This was reported by the New Zealand government.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Russia’s winter bombing of civilian infrastructure had caused significant damage to Ukrainians, and the new aid demonstrated Wellington’s solidarity with Ukraine.
“Russia’s bombing of civilian infrastructure this winter has dealt a heavy blow to the people of Ukraine, and this assistance demonstrates New Zealand’s continued solidarity. These contributions will help meet the urgent needs that have arisen as a result of Russia’s brutal winter attacks,” Peters stressed.
Of the package, NZ$5 million will be allocated to humanitarian assistance to international partners supporting Ukrainian civilians. New Zealand’s total humanitarian support over the four years of the war has reached NZ$45 million.
Wellington will transfer another NZ$3 million to the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund, managed by the World Bank. The funds will go towards supporting energy sustainability and reconstruction.
In addition to financial assistance, the New Zealand government announced its 34th package of sanctions against Russia. It includes a reduction in the price cap for Russian crude oil and restrictions on 100 vessels in the so-called shadow fleet.
“These are deliberate steps aimed at reducing the crucial oil revenues that fuel Putin’s illegal aggressive war against Ukraine,” Peters said.
Wellington also imposed sanctions against entities from Belarus, Iran, and North Korea, alternative payment service providers, cyber structures, and companies that support Russia’s military-industrial complex.