While expulsion of Russian diplomats is “not off the table”, Jacinda Ardern says it removes the chance for direct dialogue. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government is considering how to further tighten restrictions on exports and imports to Russia.
The Russian ambassador will be called in again to hear New Zealand’s opposition to the country’s latest actions in Ukraine.
On Friday Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed the annexation of four regions of Ukraine, during a pomp-filled Kremlin ceremony, promising Moscow would triumph in its “special military operation” against Kyiv.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand does not recognise these illegal attempts to change Ukraine’s borders, and the referenda in Russian-held Ukrainian territories were a sham.
Ardern told Morning Report the government was primarily looking at further measures that would have an economic impact on Russia.
“What comes through really clearly in every conversation that I’ve had with any representative from the government in Ukraine is just how much the sanctions matter to them. They see that as the way to continue to put pressure on Russia to end the war.
“So we’ve kept a rolling review on the sanctions we’re placing on individuals who may have influence but also goods and services so that’s where we’re particularly looking at the moment.”
Ardern and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were checking that they had the most comprehensive sanctions regime possible, including for exports and imports, applied under the Russia Sanctions Act.
Some products, including some foods, were being excluded from any action on humanitarian grounds.
The prime minister said she had to be cautious on discussing any further measures at present because of the advice she was awaiting which should be delivered within two weeks.
“[We’re] just having a finer look at every single detail of what we’re exporting and importing but again further detail to be provided.”
Asked if there might be more military assistance or equipment provided, she said the main focus was on sanctions but she would not rule out more military help in the future.
Ardern has not received any advice on the ambassador being called in so that the government’s opposition to Russia’s latest moves could be expressed but she expected that would happen this week.
While expulsion of diplomats was “not off the table”, Ardern said it removed the opportunity for direct dialogue and it meant New Zealand’s representation in Moscow would also be shut down.
“It’s still an option but in the minds of ourselves and many we compare ourselves to it has not been the measure I’d move first to because then it cuts off the ability to very directly share the view of your nation and government and also [it’s] relatively symbolic in comparison to other measures you can take.”
Last cost of living payment looms
Eligible people will get the last of the government’s three cost of living payments today.
Ardern said the government had to be mindful that any further payments could be inflationary.
The 25 cents off a litre a petrol will remain in place until January and half price public transport was also available, Ardern said.
She said National’s plans for tax cuts would stoke inflation and what has happened in Britain in the last 10 days proved they were “a bad idea”.
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