New Zealand expands military support to Ukraine

New Zealand will deploy a further 120 Defense Force personnel to the United Kingdom to help train Ukrainian soldiers to fight against Russian forces.

The New Zealand Herald reported this.

It adds to the 30 personnel sent over in May to train Ukrainian military personnel in operating artillery and the more than $40 million provided in financial support.

“New Zealand has been clear that we will continue to answer the call of Ukraine for practical support as they defend their homeland and people against Russia’s unjustified invasion,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

Two infantry training teams will teach Ukrainian personnel frontline combat skills, including weapon handling, combat first aid, operational law and other skills.

“We know that one of the highest priorities for Ukraine right now is to train its soldiers, and New Zealand is proud to stand in solidarity alongside a number of other countries to answer that call,” Ardern said.

Members of the New Zealand Defense Force will travel in tranches via commercial flights to the UK over the next three weeks and will remain there until November 30.

In May, up to 30 New Zealand military personnel were sent to the United Kingdom to help train the Ukrainian servicemen to use the 105mm L119 field artillery guns.

In June, another $4.5 million was allocated to provide the Ukrainian army with additional non-lethal equipment and gear, such as medical kits.

Previously, New Zealand sent a C130 Hercules aircraft and its military personnel to Europe for two months, as well as another $ 13 million for military, humanitarian, and legal assistance to Ukraine.

During a visit to Kyiv in June, the Prime Minister of Great Britain offered Ukraine assistance in training ten thousand military personnel.

Finland, Sweden, and Canada, as well as Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, announced their participation in training programs for Ukrainian servicemen in Great Britain.