New Zealand “condemns unequivocally” Russia’s attempt to illegally annex eastern regions of Ukraine, prime minister Jacinda Ardern says.
“We do not recognise these illegal attempts to change Ukraine’s borders or territorial sovereignty,” she said, in a joint statement with foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta.
The attempted annexation of the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia followed a series of sham referenda in those regions which Russian president Vladimir Putin has used to justify the land-grab as “the will of the people”.
“These are severe acts of aggression in clear violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a blatant breach of international law. We continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ardern said.
Mahuta said New Zealand will implement further measures in response to Russia’s actions.
“These will include imposing further sanctions under our Russia Sanctions Act including on those who support Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, which has led to these fabricated claims of annexation,” she said
“Aotearoa New Zealand stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and joins the international community in condemning Russia’s illegal annexations,” Ardern added.
The New Zealand statement was released shortly after an equally strong statement from the US White House calling Russia’s actions a “fraudulent attempt to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory” and announcing new sanctions.
“Russia is violating international law, trampling on the United Nations Charter, and showing its contempt for peaceful nations everywhere,” the White House statement said.
