New Zealand sends $25.9 mln in assistance to Ukraine

New Zealand has announced a new aid package for Ukraine.

It is valued at $25.9 million, Rubryka reports, citing the New Zealand government.

"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,"  said New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters. "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."

Meanwhile, New Zealand's Minister of Defense, Judith Collins, noted that over the past two years, the country's military has been in Europe and the United Kingdom, working with like-minded partner countries to support Ukraine, and this support will continue.

"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," she added.

Today's package includes:

• $6.5 million to the International Ukraine Fund managed by the United Kingdom to purchase weapons and ammunition for Ukraine;
• $7 million in humanitarian aid to support Ukrainians affected by the war, including those displaced to neighboring countries;
• $3 million to the World Bank's Ukraine Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform Trust Fund for assistance, recovery, reconstruction, and reforms in Ukraine.

New Zealand's aid and its position on Russia

In 2022, New Zealand decided to participate in training Ukrainian military personnel in the UK.

In February last year, the New Zealand government extended visas offered to Ukrainians fleeing Russian invasion and extended their validity.

The New Zealand government also announced sanctions against the Russian Federation and Belarus.