The Government of New Zealand is set to provide additional military support to Ukraine as it continues to battle the Russian invasion.
The support will involve sending military staff to Europe to support Ukraine’s war effort. The personnel will not participate in the ongoing conflict directly but will help in intelligence-gathering efforts.
According to a government statement, nine New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel will be deployed in the UK and Belgium to support partner nations in intelligence and engagement work. The deployment will be made over the next months.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: “Seven NZDF intelligence analysts will go to the UK to assist with the heightened demand for intelligence assessments. Some of our people will directly support intelligence work on the Ukraine war, and some will join existing teams focused on other parts of the world.
“Two other officers will deploy to the UK and Belgium to enhance our engagement with, and understanding of, partner activities related to Ukraine.
“One will work with the existing Defence Attaché and NZ military representative to Nato, and one will work within the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters.”
The New Zealand Cabinet has also approved the use of the Defence Force’s open-source intelligence capabilities for three months to assist the UK and other European partners.
New Zealand also announced NZD5m ($3.45m) of non-lethal military assistance for Ukraine. The package is set to be dispatched from Ohakea this week.
Last week, the UK announced that it will more than double military assistance for Ukraine by sending 6,000 new defensive missiles.
