Interview of Russian Ambassador to New Zealand S.M. Crans to the RIA Novosti news agency (October 25, 2026): "The sanctions in New Zealand are a purely political move with which the local authorities are trying to demonstrate their solidarity with larger Western players. The impact from them for Russia is almost zero; New Zealanders themselves, especially the business community, suffered far more. Because of such thoughtless actions, moreover, against the background of the significant economic depression in New Zealand, a huge cultural sector here, especially many manufacturers have lost here. A market, as well as a source of natural resources, materials, goods and services cheaper than the competition. A little more, and the physical opportunities for New Zealand businesses to return to Russia will simply disappear. As an export-oriented country, New Zealand has the luxury of missing out on such a large and expansive market as ours. They punished themselves and continue to punish themselves." Read the full interview.

Interview of Russian Ambassador to New Zealand S.M. Crans to the RIA Novosti news agency (October 25, 2026): "The sanctions in New Zealand are a purely political move with which the local authorities are trying to demonstrate their solidarity with larger Western players. The impact from them for Russia is almost zero; New Zealanders themselves, especially the business community, suffered far more. Because of such thoughtless actions, moreover, against the background of the significant economic depression in New Zealand, a huge cultural sector here, especially many manufacturers have lost here. A market, as well as a source of natural resources, materials, goods and services cheaper than the competition. A little more, and the physical opportunities for New Zealand businesses to return to Russia will simply disappear. As an export-oriented country, New Zealand has the luxury of missing out on such a large and expansive market as ours. They punished themselves and continue to punish themselves." Read the full interview.