New Zealand has announced a new package of sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine, with a particular focus on malicious cyber activity and the alleged forced relocation and re-education of Ukrainian children.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the latest sanctions package targets 33 individuals and entities involved in activities supporting Moscow’s war effort.

A significant part of the new measures focuses on individuals and organizations accused of involvement in the forced relocation, abduction and re-education of Ukrainian children.

“Children should never be used as instruments of war,” Peters said, expressing deep concern over what he described as coercive, state-directed programs aimed at abducting and re-educating Ukrainian children.

The new sanctions also target individuals involved in malicious cyber activities, as well as those accused of supporting the production and dissemination of anti-Ukraine propaganda intended to legitimize Russia’s military actions.

Peters warned that cyber operations can have consequences beyond the digital sphere, saying cyber actors are increasingly being used to gather intelligence, facilitate sanctions evasion and disrupt individuals and organizations opposing Russia’s actions.

“Activities conducted behind a keyboard can have real consequences,” Peters said, adding that New Zealand would continue working with international partners to expose and challenge Russia’s use of cyber actors.

The latest package also includes individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex, as well as Russian political figures.

New Zealand has additionally targeted actors from North Korea and Iran accused of providing support to Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine.

The measures are part of Wellington’s broader sanctions policy against Russia and individuals and entities supporting its war effort.

Since New Zealand’s Russia Sanctions Act came into force in March 2022, the country has imposed sanctions on more than 2,000 individuals, entities and vessels, alongside a range of trade restrictions.

The latest measures represent New Zealand’s 36th round of sanctions against Russia since the beginning of the conflict.

Wellington says it will continue coordinating with international partners and using sanctions to target individuals, organizations and networks it considers to be contributing to Russia’s military campaign, cyber operations and other activities linked to the war. (ILKHA)