The New Zealand (NZ) government has rolled out a new wave of sanctions targeting oligarchs with close personal ties to President Vladimir Putin or the Russian government, including Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich. Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced that the sanctions on a further 36 individuals came into effect on March 5. “This list includes some of Russia’s richest businesspeople, as well as chairs and chief executives of some of Russia’s biggest companies,” she said in a media release. “They will not be able to travel to Aotearoa New Zealand, move assets here, or use our financial systems to hide from sanctions imposed by other countries.” Abramovich was disqualified from running the English Premier League team Chelsea after he was sanctioned by UK authorities. However, the billionaire has vowed to sell the club and direct the proceeds toward aiding the Ukrainian people. Authorities have also been involved in highly publicized …