New Zealand has pledged another $25.9 million in support to Ukraine, bringing New Zealand's financial contribution to more than $100m.
Today marks two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In a joint statement Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins said New Zealand would mark the anniversary with the extended support, along with extending New Zealand's military assistance and a plan more sanctions on Russia.
Peters said Russia had launched its "illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine in blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter".
"The war has had a horrific human cost, caused immense suffering and has significantly impacted regional and global stability. That is why New Zealand remains committed to standing with Ukraine.
"This support, worth $25.9 million, will bring the total value of New Zealand's assistance pledged in the past two years to more than $100 million."
He said the support demonstrated New Zealand's "unwavering support" for Ukraine and serious commitment to defending an international rules-based system that reflected New Zealand's values and supported its interests.
Collins said in the two years since the invasion New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel had been on the ground in Europe and the UK working with like-minded partner countries on support for Ukraine.
That support would continue, she said.
"The Government is pleased to announce NZDF's meaningful, visible and highly credible deployment of skilled personnel in support of Ukraine will extend until June 2025.
"Up to 97 NZDF personnel will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers, and provide intelligence, liaison and logistics support."
Collins said it was critical Ukraine knew the international community stood by it and that Russia understood New Zealand supported Ukraine's self defence.
"This package demonstrates our commitment to this."
Alongside the extension of the NZDF deployment, the package announced today also included $6.5m to the United Kingdom-administered International Fund for Ukraine to procure weapons and ammunition for Ukraine, $7m in humanitarian assistance to support Ukrainians affected by the war, including those who have been displaced to neighbouring countries.
New Zealand would also partner with international humanitarian agencies and New Zealand humanitarian NGOs to deliver this support, the joint statement said.
It also included $3 million to the World Bank's Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund.
New sanctions under the Russia Sanctions Act 2022, focused on countering sanctions evasion, are also "being worked on", the statement said.
New Zealand Defence Force support for Ukraine would "evolve" from July this year to match the changing needs of Ukraine and its partners, it also said.
"Reflective of this, personnel will conduct specialised training in combat casualty care, combat engineering, leadership, and maritime explosive ordnance device training. The personnel will be based throughout Europe, and none will enter Ukraine."
New Zealand's financial support to Ukraine — more than $100m — had so far included:
- $77m - support for military training and equipment, including up to 97 NZDF personnel deployed to Europe
- $21.93min humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected Ukraianian communities in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries
- $5.2m in support for international legal processes and human rights monitoring.
- New Zealand had also implemented "wide-ranging, comprehensive" sanctions against organisations and individuals supporting Russia.
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