Authorities in Russia have banned entry to over 60 citizens from Australia and New Zealand.
The decision comes as a response to the sanctions imposed recently by authorities in Canberra and Wellington against Russian citizens, VisaGuide.World reports.
In response to the politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities imposed by the Australian government as part of the collective West’s Russophobic campaign, entry to our country is closed indefinitely to another 27 Australians, comprising former politicians, executives of Australian companies, university teachers, journalists and public figures.
Subject to sanctions introduced by authorities in Russia are also former Australian Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, Vice Chief of the Defence Force Robert Chipman, as well as other security officials.
The list also included the former Australian ambassador to Ukraine, and several journalists and university professors from Australia.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry also announced that it banned the entry to 36 citizens of New Zealand as a response to Wellington sanctions against Russian nationals.
In response to the politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and entities imposed by New Zealand’s government as part of the collective West’s Russophobic campaign, entry to our country is closed indefinitely to another 36 New Zealanders, comprising politicians, chiefs of security agencies, university teachers, journalists and public figures.
Australia & New Zealand Imposed New Package of Sanctions Against Russia Earlier in May
On May 16, authorities in New Zealand introduced a new package of sanctions against a total of 28 individuals and 14 entities related to their support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The restrictions targeted actors involved in the transfer of North Korean arms to Russia for use against Ukraine and Iranian actors providing military assistance to Moscow.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, said that Moscow is supported by its military-industrial complex in its unlawful aggression against Ukraine, thus attacking its sovereignty.
The Minister said that New Zealand condemns all entities and persons providing this military support.
In addition to New Zealand, authorities in Australia also imposed sanctions against entities connected to the illegal weapons trade between North Korea and Russia.
Announcing the new changes, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, said that Australia is introducing targeted financial sanctions in coordination with international partners on a further six entities related to North Korea’s supply of arms and related material to Russia.