WELLINGTON (TSAT ) - New Zealand government on Monday has announced to extend its sanctions against Russia and included over 100 top officials on the travel ban list.

In a statement, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said her government brought new legislation to imposed tough sanctions against Moscow after the attack on Ukraine.

“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,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

“When we first responded to Russia’s invasion by issuing targeted travel bans, prohibiting exports to the military, and suspending bilateral foreign ministry consultations we said no options were off the table.

“Today we take the next step in our response to increasing sanctions, in line with the actions of our partners, said the premier.

“This Bill is specific to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and will allow new sanctions to be applied as approved by the Foreign Minister.

The country also extended its travel ban list against Russian and included President Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on its travel ban list.

“Those sanctions can be imposed on people, services, companies, and assets related to those in Russia who are responsible for or associated with the invasion, or that are of economic or strategic relevance to Russia, including oligarchs,” said Ardern

“A public sanctions register will be set up to list every individual, entity, asset, or service that is sanctioned.

“The sanctions will enable the Government to freeze assets located in New Zealand. Those sanctioned will also be prevented from moving assets to New Zealand or using our financial system as a back door to get around sanctions increasingly imposed by other countries. 

“Sanctions could also apply to trade, and financial institutions as well as stopping the likes of Russian super yachts, ships and aircraft 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,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said as a small country that is a supporter of the multilateral system to uphold peace and security New Zealand has historically supported sanctions through the United Nations system.

“However with Russia using its veto as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to prevent any action, even in the face of overwhelming opposition to Russia’s war, New Zealand has decided that a targeted sanctions bill is required to show our condemnation in the strongest possible terms,” she added.

“New Zealand continues to call on Russia to do what is right and immediately cease military operations in Ukraine and permanently withdraw to avoid a catastrophic loss of innocent life.