Imposing Sanctions Against Russia, New Zealand Government Prepares Law

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern. (Wikimedia Commons/US Embassy)

JAKARTA - The New Zealand government said on Monday it would introduce a law that would allow imposing sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

When passed, it will be the first time New Zealand will individually impose sanctions on a country.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the sanctions would give the country the ability to freeze Russian assets in New Zealand, prevent people and companies from moving their money and assets into the country, to avoid sanctions imposed by other countries.

In addition, the provisions will also have the power to stop superyachts, ships and aircraft associated with Russian people and companies from entering New Zealand waters or airspace.

Previously, New Zealand had also published a list barring 100 people from traveling to New Zealand.

It is known, previously that the Kiwi country could only apply sanctions when the UN Security Council had imposed them.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council will not be able to impose sanctions on Russia because the Red Bear Country has the power to veto them.

PM Ardern said the government was forced to introduce new laws because of limitations in the current multilateral system.

"Ultimately, if we had a more functional security board, we wouldn't have had this problem in the first place," PM Ardern said.

To note, Russian President Vladimir authorized 'special military operations' in Ukraine, saying he did not intend to occupy the territory from February 24 last.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has drawn near-universal condemnation around the world, sending more than 1.5 million Ukrainians fleeing the country and triggering Western sanctions against Russia aimed at crippling its economy.