New Zealand announces $26 million aid package for Ukraine
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.”
