NZ extends support for Ukraine military

The Government is extending New Zealand’s commitments to the war in Ukraine by continuing to train Ukrainian soldiers in the United Kingdom and making further modest contributions to the Nato trust fund and World Food Programme. Up to 66 New Zealand Defence Force personnel will be deployed to the United Kingdom to help with infantry training from November 30 through to July 31, 2023. Currently, there are 120 NZDF personnel training Ukrainians in the UK. ‘‘The extended support builds on the package of military, diplomatic, legal and humanitarian assistance provided by Aotearoa New Zealand since Russia’s war of aggression began in February,’’ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. There will also be extensions for administrative and logistics staff deployments. As a part of the measures announced, New Zealand will contribute $1.85 million each to the Nato trust fund, which is helping to co-ordinate assistance to Ukraine, and the World Food Programme, in a bid to boost food security in the region.