New Zealand announces new sanctions against Russian cyber actors, online support platforms

The most recent sanctions package designates 20 individuals and entities, including actors supporting the Russian government’s hybrid warfare tactics by enabling Russian cyber crime activity that supports the war, and the dissemination of anti-Ukraine propaganda aimed at legitimising Moscow’s illegal aggression.

“Those who misuse online platforms to support Russia’s war against Ukraine will face real consequences, including sanctions,” Peters said.

“We are targeting the payment infrastructure that has helped enable Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

New Zealand is also introducing sanctions against an alternative payment provider whose service is used widely for the evasion of sanctions against Russia.

The sanctions also target those contributing to Russia’s military-industrial complex, and actors from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Iran who are providing support to the Russian military.

Since the Russia Sanctions Act came into force in March 2022, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 2,000 individuals, entities, and vessels, alongside a range of trade measures. This is New Zealand’s 35th round of Russia sanctions.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.