New Zealand would expand its sanctions on Russia through a first of its kind, targeted, autonomous sanctions regime, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Monday.

The government will urgently pass a bill this week, allowing for extensive sanctions on those responsible for, or associated with, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ms Ardern said.

“A bill of this nature has never been brought before our Parliament, but with Russia vetoing UN sanctions, we must act ourselves to support Ukraine and our partners in opposition to this invasion,” she said.

Sanctions will be imposed on people, services, companies, and assets related to those in Russia responsible for the invasion or those that are economic or strategic relevant to Russia, including oligarchs.

Assets within New Zealand will be able to be frozen, and those sanctioned will also be prevented from moving assets to New Zealand or using its financial system as a “back door” to get around sanctions imposed by other countries, added Ms Ardern.

Russian superyachts, ships, and aircraft could also be banned from entering New Zealand waters or airspace.

“The bill also allows for sanctions to be imposed against other states complicit with Russia’s illegal actions, such as Belarus,” said the New Zealand prime minister.

(dpa/NAN)