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Foreign ministers

New Zealand Expands Sanctions on Russia's Oil Industry

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New Zealand has announced a new round of sanctions targeting Russia's oil trade, following the country's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. The sanctions aim to disrupt Russia's revenue streams and bring the country to the negotiating table. The recent measures include targeting 65 shadow fleet vessels involved in the shipment of Russian oil, as well as actors from Belarus, Iran, and North Korea involved in refining and transporting Russian oil.

Key Takeaways:

  • New Zealand has sanctioned 65 shadow fleet vessels involved in the shipment of Russian oil, disrupting Russia's revenue streams.
  • The sanctions also target actors from Belarus, Iran, and North Korea involved in refining and transporting Russian oil.
  • This is New Zealand's 33rd round of Russia sanctions since the Russia Sanctions Act came into force in March 2022.
  • New Zealand has imposed sanctions on over 1,900 individuals, entities, and vessels, alongside a range of trade measures.
  • The sanctions also include targeting key members of the Russian parliament, Russian ministers, and governors.
  • The trade measures include banning all Russian and Belarusian government and military aircraft and vessels from entering New Zealand.
  • The trade measures also include banning exports to Russian and Belarusian military and security forces.
  • New Zealand has implemented a 35% tariff on all Russian imports to NZ.
  • Banned the import of Russian gold into NZ.
  • Significantly expanded the export ban on Russia and Belarus to cover more industrial products of strategic importance.
  • Banned the import of Russian oil, gas, and coal.
  • Banned the export of oil exploration and oil production goods to Russia.
  • Banned the import from and export to Russia of certain luxury goods.

Statistics:

  • New Zealand has imposed sanctions on over 1,900 individuals, entities, and vessels.
  • The Russia Sanctions Act has been in force since March 2022 and has led to 33 rounds of sanctions.
  • New Zealand has imposed a 35% tariff on all Russian imports to NZ.
  • Over $168 million in financial assistance and in-kind support has been pledged by New Zealand to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
  • $110.3 million in support for military training, equipment, and materiel has been provided by New Zealand to Ukraine.
  • $39.9 million in humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected Ukrainian communities has been provided by New Zealand.
  • $6 million in support for recovery and reconstruction has been provided by New Zealand.
  • $5.2 million in support for international legal processes and human rights monitoring has been provided by New Zealand.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE (October 30, 2025)
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website (New Zealand)
  • Russia Sanctions Act (March 2022)

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