Russia Imposes Sanctions On Australians, New Zealanders

The Russian Foreign Ministry on October 29 announced sanctions against 131 Australian citizens, banning them from entering the country. The list includes representatives of the defense industry, broadcast journalists, and public figures, whom Russia accuses of promoting an "anti-Russian agenda." The sanctions are a direct response to Australia's earlier measures against Russian individuals and entities. Among those sanctioned are the co-chairwoman of the Union of Ukrainian Organizations in Australia and employees of companies such as Electro Optic Systems and Micro-X. In addition, Russia has imposed sanctions on nine New Zealand officials from the Defense Ministry, including three deputy ministers. Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Australia has sanctioned more than 1,000 Russian citizens and companies, a trend also seen in New Zealand. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.