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New Zealand announces $26 million aid package for Ukraine

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New Zealand announces $26 million aid package for Ukraine
The New Zealand flag flies as a seagull stands on top of the flag pole in Auckland, New Zealand, on March 2, 2016. (Brendon O'Hagan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

New Zealand’s government announced on Feb. 22 that it would provide Ukraine with another defense and humanitarian aid package worth almost $26 million.

This package brings the total value of New Zealand’s assistance pledged to Ukraine in the past two years to over $100 million.

A large chunk of the money will be used to finance an extension of New Zealand’s training program for Ukrainian soldiers until 2025, the country’s government wrote in a press release.

As part of the package, New Zealand will send $6.5 million to a U.K.-administered fund to procure weapons and ammunition for Ukraine.

The country will also provide $7 million in humanitarian assistance for Ukrainians affected by the war, including refugees, and transfer $3 million to the World Bank’s Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund.

New Zealand is also reportedly working on a new package of sanctions against Russia.

“Russia launched its illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter,” New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

“The 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.”

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Almost immediately following the end of the EuroMaidan Revolution in Ukraine in February 2014, Russia swiftly moved to annex and occupy the Crimean Peninsula. Within a couple of months, unrest erupted in eastern Ukraine followed by Russian-backed militias taking over administrative buildings. The…
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Dinara Khalilova

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Dinara Khalilova is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent, where she has previously worked as a news editor. In the early weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion, she worked as a fixer and local producer for Sky News’ team in Ukraine. Dinara holds a BA in journalism from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and a Master’s degree in media and communication from the U.K.’s Bournemouth University.

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