The Russian Embassy is mocking Aotearoa's new sanctions and trade bans on Russia in retaliation for the latest escalation in Ukraine.
Russian vodka and caviar are among a list of new bans announced after Russia launched its most widespread missile strike since the start of the war targeting Ukrainian civilians.
On Tuesday Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced new sanctions and trade bans on Russia and Belarus as part of the Government's ongoing response to the war and illegal annexations.
The new bans included the import and export of luxury goods such as New Zealand wine and seafood, Russian vodka and caviar and strategically important products like oil, gas and related production equipment.
Sanctions on oligarchs and officials and an extension of the 35 percent tariff on Russian imports until March 2025 were also introduced.
While the move is meant to add further pressure on the Russian economy, it doesn't seem to have rattled the Russian Embassy in New Zealand, which made fun of the bans on Twitter.
"NZ banned imports of Russian vodka and caviar. What's next? Matryoshkas, balalaikas and shapka-ushankas?" It tweeted.
Matryoshka dolls, also known as stacking dolls or nesting dolls, are a set of Russian wooden dolls, a balalaika is a stringed musical instrument and a shapka-ushanka is a fur cap with ear-covering flaps.
However, Kiwis online appeared supportive of the new measures with one calling for a ban on everything from Russia.
Mahuta and Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O'Connor said the measures are a tangible way to express Aotearoa New Zealand’s condemnation of Russia's invasion and its recent attempts to illegally annex regions of Ukraine.
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The new sanctions come after Russia launched more than 80 missiles on Monday (local time) in what was the most widespread air strikes since the start of the Ukraine war.
The missiles hit civilian structures and infrastructure across major Ukrainian cities during rush hour.
Mahatu said New Zealand condemns Russia's missile strikes on civilians.
To date, Aotearoa New Zealand has imposed sanctions on over 1000 Russian individuals and entities and has imposed trade measures which have seen New Zealand exports to Russia and Russian imports to New Zealand both fall drastically.
