New Zealand announces new financial aid package for Ukraine

22 February, 2024 Emblem of the New Zealand Defence Force. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins announced a new financial aid package for Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense of New Zealand reported on this. The new financial package, as well as the expansion of military aid, was approved ahead of the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The total cost of the financial package is £25.9 million, of which £6.5 million will be allocated to the United Kingdom-administered International Fund for Ukraine to procure weapons and ammunition for Ukraine.

A New Zealand instructor during training of Ukrainian soldiers.

Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of New Zealand

£7 million in humanitarian assistance will be allocated to support Ukrainians affected by the war, including those who have been displaced to neighboring countries. New Zealand will partner with international humanitarian agencies and New Zealand humanitarian NGOs to deliver this support. In addition, £3 million will be transferred to the World Bank's Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform Trust Fund.

"It demonstrates New Zealand's unwavering support for Ukraine and our serious commitment to defending an international rules-based system that reflects our values and supports our interests," Mr Peters says. According to him, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the country has allocated more than £100 million in total aid to Ukraine.

A New Zealand instructor during training of Ukrainian soldiers. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of New Zealand

In addition, the government noted that it has a plan to support Ukraine until June 2025 and will continue to train Ukrainian forces in the United Kingdom.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Government of Canada allocated a new financial package of military assistance to Ukraine, which will be directed to the UDCG Air Force Capability Coalition.

This donation will support the setup of a sustainable F-16 fighter aircraft capability in Ukraine, as well as the purchase, repair, and maintenance of the relevant equipment.

Specifically, the funds will help source vitally needed F-16 supplies and equipment such as spare parts, weapons stations, and avionics, as well as maintenance.