New Zealand sends Ukraine $ 16.4 million aid

New Zealand is supplying a new $16 million Ukraine assistance package and extending key defense force deployments delivering training and support until mid-2025 as Russia's invasion continues.

Feb 22, 2024 - 22:13

New Zealand sends Ukraine $ 16.4 million aid

New Zealand has announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth NZD 25.9 million (approximately $16 million), and will continue training Ukrainian military personnel, according to a statement published on the New Zealand Government’s website.

Since 24 February 2022, New Zealand has pledged over $62 million USD in assistance, including some $48 million USD for military support with about 100 military instructors in Europe, funds for humanitarian aid, legal and human rights efforts, and the introduction of comprehensive sanctions against entities supporting Russia.

“[Russia’s] 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 [NZ] $25.9 million (about $16 million, – Ed.), will bring the total value of New Zealand’s assistance pledged in the past two years to more than $100 million ($62 million, – Ed.),” New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said, according to the statement.

Over the past two years, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have been actively engaged in Europe and the UK, collaborating with allied nations to support Ukraine, and this support will persist, according to the country’s Defense Minister Judith Collins.

The government has confirmed the extension of the NZDF’s deployment of skilled personnel in support of Ukraine until June 2025. Up to 97 NZDF personnel will continue to train Ukrainian soldiers and provide intelligence, liaison, and logistics support.