New support for Ukraine

During the past two years, NZDF personnel have been on the ground in Europe and the United Kingdom working with like-minded partner countries on support for Ukraine, and that support will continue, Ms Collins says.

“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.”

From July 2024, NZDF support will evolve to match the changing needs of Ukraine and its partners. Reflective of this, personnel will conduct specialised training in combat casualty care, combat engineering, leadership, and maritime explosive ordnance disposal training. The personnel will be based throughout Europe, and none will enter Ukraine.

In addition to the extension of the NZDF deployment, the support package also includes:

• $6.5 million to the United Kingdom-administered International Fund for Ukraine to procure weapons and ammunition for Ukraine 

• $7 million in humanitarian assistance to support Ukrainians affected by the war, including those who have been displaced to neighbouring countries. New Zealand will partner with international humanitarian agencies and New Zealand humanitarian NGOs to deliver this support

• $3 million to the World Bank’s Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund

Mr Peters says the 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.

“It demonstrates New Zealand’s unwavering support for Ukraine, and our serious commitment to defending an international rules-based system that reflects our values and supports our interests,” Mr Peters says.