The New Zealand Defence Force will extend up to December 2026 the deployment of about 100 of its personnel assigned to train Ukrainian soldiers in the United Kingdom and across Europe.
The extension signifies New Zealand’s continuing commitment to support Ukraine’s defense “against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Tuesday. The premier noted that the value of the country’s financial support and assistance to Ukraine to date totals $91 million.
2024 Support Package Items
According to Beehive.govt.nz, the New Zealand government’s official website, the country provided two support packages to Ukraine valued at $25 million in 2024 that included the NZDF training support, as well as intelligence, logistics and liaison assistance. It said the NZDF, in partnership with allies, has contributed to training more than 53,000 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel in specialized capabilities, such as combat casualty care, combat engineering and maritime explosive ordnance disposal.
Defence Minister Judith Collins described the NZDF deployment as “a visible and highly valued use of our skilled personnel” during the past three years.
Sanctions Against Russia
Funding and equipment that New Zealand had previously provided to Ukraine include weapons and ammunition worth about $11 million, plus a $7.5 million contribution to the NATO Trust Fund for Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the country joined actions in the international community on imposing sanctions on Moscow and its agents, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters pointed out that the Ukraine situation “remains dynamic,” and New Zealand actively participates in U.K.-led talks on peace support options if the conflict ends. “New Zealand welcomes efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, and is following the negotiations on a potential ceasefire very closely,” he said.