Russia has banned 36 more Kiwis from entering its borders — including mayors, journalists, public figures and defence force leaders — who are accused of "shaping an anti-Russian agenda". ADVERTISEMENTThe NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was not the first set of "retaliatory" sanctions Russia had issued against Kiwis. "Russia’s latest sanctions list includes members of New Zealand’s Defence Force who have been training Ukrainian troops to assist Ukraine in its own legitimate self-defence. In July 2022, 32 more New Zealanders were added to the list, including then-Auckland mayor Phil Goff, then-Wellington mayor Andy Foster, then-Nelson mayor Rachel Reese, then-Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel and then-Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins, among other elected officials. In January 2023, a further 31 Kiwis were banned from entering Russia, including then-TVNZ chief executive Simon Power and Clarke Gayford, the husband of former Prime Minister Ardern.

Source: Stuff June 28, 2024 19:54 UTC