Wellington: New Zealand on Thursday targeted Iranians involved in missile and drone projects in a fresh batch of sanctions on Russia over its war with Ukraine. In a statement, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the new sanctions respond to recent findings by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons that ‘illegal riot control agents are being used on the frontlines in Ukraine.’

According to Anadolu Agency, Peters claimed that the sanctions are in line with reports throughout the year suggesting Russia’s use of chemical weapons on the battlefield, breaching the Chemical Weapons Convention. The new sanctions target seven individuals and five entities.

The sanctions package also focuses on Iranians involved in supplying ballistic missiles and drones to Russia, along with Russians facilitating this trade. Peters emphasized that the transfer of Iranian weaponry supports Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine, a stance New Zealand condemns.

Since the Russia Sanctions Act came into effect in
March 2022, Peters noted that New Zealand has sanctioned over 1,700 individuals and entities and implemented various trade measures. The Russia-Ukraine war has entered its third year since Moscow’s “special military operation” against Kyiv began in February 2022, resulting in significant casualties and displacements. US-led western allies, including New Zealand, continue to support Kyiv.