WELLINGTON (AA) - The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday announced several sanctions against Russia over its attacks on Ukraine.

In a statement, Premier Ardern said that the UK’s Ministry of Defence communicated this morning that more than 80 strikes have been carried out against Ukrainian targets and that Russian ground forces are advancing across the border on at least three axes, from north and north-east, and south from Crimea.

She announced that New Zealand has immediately implemented a number of measures in response to Russia’s actions, these are including the introduction of targeted travel bans against Russian Government officials and other individuals associated with the invasion of Ukraine—this is in line with a number of our partners.

“These measures will ban targeted individuals from obtaining visas to enter or transit New Zealand. We will update and revise the list of those subject to restrictions based on future developments. Secondly, the prohibition of export of goods to Russian military and security forces.”

“This covers the export of all goods intended for use by the Russian military and security forces, including any armed force, paramilitary force, police force, or militia. This includes weapons and dual-use technology that have a civilian use but are intended for military use, or that may have military applications. While exports from New Zealand under this category are limited, a blanket ban is a significant step as it removes the ability for exporters to apply for a permit, and sends a clear signal of support to Ukraine. And thirdly, the suspension of bilateral foreign Ministry consultations until further notice.”

New Zealand Prime Minister added that there are reports of attacks in a range of locations around Ukraine, including heavy shelling in eastern Ukraine and fighting in some areas, including around airports and other targets of strategic importance. New Zealand joins our international partners in the condemnation of this attack and have immediately taken a range of measures against the Russian Government.”

She urged, Russia to do what is right and immediately cease military operations in Ukraine and permanently withdraw to avoid a catastrophic and pointless loss of innocent life.

“The invasion poses a significant threat to peace and security in the region and will trigger a humanitarian and refugee crisis, with reports already of large numbers of people in Kiev making their way towards the Western border,” she said.

Russia launched its long-feared military intervention in Ukraine early Thursday, with President Vladimir Putin saying the operation’s aim is to protect people “subjected to genocide” by Kyiv and to “demilitarize and denazify” Ukraine. He also called on the Ukrainian army to lay down its arms.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, more than 130 people, including civilians, were killed on the first day of the military intervention.