Australia announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022

The Australian Prime Minister's website announced the information.

“Australia has been clear since day one that Russia, and those enabling its illegal invasion, will face consequences. The Australian Government has today imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 70 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 79 entities. This constitutes Australia’s largest sanctions package since February 2022,” the statement said.

In total, the country is imposing more than 1,400 new sanctions. These sanctions target individuals who support Russia’s occupation administrations in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, including so-called ministers, judges, and prosecutors. They also focus on those responsible for conflict-related sexual violence and the forced deportation of Ukrainian children.

The sanctions also target individuals and organizations involved in deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including the deployment of North Korean troops on the battlefield.

In addition, the sanctions target entities in Russia's defense, transportation, and financial sectors, as well as those who spread disinformation to undermine Ukraine and governments around the world. 

Australia once again called on Russia to immediately end the war and fully comply with its obligations under international law. The government expressed sadness over the loss of life of Ukrainian citizens and defenders due to Russia's brutality.

• On the same day, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced new sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine's recovery.