Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced new sanctions targeting disinformation and those responsible for cyber attacks on Ukraine.
The latest round of sanctions targets eight individuals and entities involved in Putin’s campaign of disinformation, as well as cyber attacks on Ukraine.
“New Zealand continues to unequivocally condemn Russia’s unjustified and illegal attack on Ukraine,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
“President Putin’s propaganda machine is in full swing, spreading lies and false information to justify Russia’s illegal invasion.”
“Today’s announcement reflects our complete rejection of Putin’s narrative and his attempts to mislead the international community.”
“Alongside Russia’s military invasion, Putin is using the digital space as a weapon in his callous war against Ukraine.”
“Ukrainians have been subject to relentless cyber attacks by Russia in an attempt to further degrade their infrastructure and disrupt their lives.”
“Today’s sanctions are our first to target Russia’s malicious cyber activity, and reflect our commitment to responding to Putin’s aggression across all fronts,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
These sanctions join a number of other measures New Zealand has taken in response to the ongoing aggression, including trade measures and humanitarian contributions.