Defence minister visit offers support to Kyiv

Defence Minister Peeni Henare has visited Ukraine, becoming the first New Zealand minister to do so while the war with Russia rages on.

‘‘To be here to see for myself and hear first-hand the sacrifice of Ukrainian citizens when fighting for their territorial integrity is humbling,’’ Henare said in a statement released after he left

Kyiv. ‘‘It is a sobering reminder for us all of the challenge of the conflict and why it is important to push for de-escalation and diplomacy. It also highlights why the New Zealand Government continues to show its support.’’

Henare reaffirmed New Zealand’s ‘‘unwavering support for the Ukrainian defence against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion’’ during his meetings with his ministerial counterparts in Ukraine and Poland.

Henare held bilateral talks with Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov. ‘‘I reiterated New Zealand’s strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and its people, and affirmed our ongoing unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s aggression,’’ Henare said.

Earlier this month, New Zealand extended UK-based training support for Ukrainian soldiers until July next year, that was due to end this month.

‘‘Minister Reznikov expressed his gratitude for the extension of the training mission and noted that it was making a difference on the ground,’’ Henare said.

‘‘I want to be clear that while the New Zealand Defence Force will not be entering Ukraine to fight, we remain committed to contributing our skills and expertise to the defensive effort.’’

Henare said Reznikov’s top challenge was getting through winter. Reuters reported on Friday that a complete shutdown of Kyiv’s power grid was possible as Russian attacks had disabled

almost half of Ukraine’s energy systems, while temperatures were already plunging.

‘‘What stood out for me is their determination to succeed in the conflict ahead of them and their steadfastness; their morale is very high. They have been extremely successful so far due to their mindset of we can win, we will win and we must win,’’ Henare said.

Henare also visited Poland, meeting the Minister of National Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak.

‘‘The recent missile strike in Poland was an unfortunate incident and underlines the dangers created by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine,’’ Henare said.

‘‘I expressed New Zealand’s condolences for the loss of life from the incident.’’

Nato member Poland and the head of the military alliance both said a missile strike in rural Poland that killed two people did not appear intentional and was likely launched by air defences in neighbouring Ukraine.

On Friday, Henare was in the UK, holding talks with Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace.

They visited Kiwi troops who were training Ukrainian soldiers.

‘‘What was evident to me . . . is our Kiwi personnel are able to come in with ease and do the job alongside some of the best in the world,’’ Henare said.

‘‘This training exercise is not about who does it better, it is about how we can help the Ukrainians get what they need.’’

‘‘What stood out for me is their determination to succeed in the conflict ahead of them.’’ Defence Minister Peeni Henare