iscover
The New Zealand government has announced a $15 million contribution to a NATO and United States initiative to supply Ukraine with weapons and equipment.
The announcement, made by NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins on 4 December, is expected to speed up the delivery of critical weapons and equipment to Ukraine under the NATO–United States Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.
“The defence of Ukraine has significant implications not only for the security of Europe, but also for the Indo-Pacific,” Minister Peters said.
“This is why New Zealand and Australia have today announced significant contributions to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List.
“We are working together to support Ukraine as we navigate an increasingly challenging strategic environment.”
New Zealand’s contribution to the PURL will only be used for the procurement of weapons or equipment that align with New Zealand’s international obligations and domestic policies.
“New Zealand stands in solidarity with Ukraine as it enters a fourth winter defending itself from Russian aggression,” Minister Collins said.
“The challenge for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend its cities and its people remains immense in the face of the ongoing and relentless bombardment of Ukraine by Russian drones.”
Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko said the support was greatly appreciated.
“On behalf of the President of Ukraine, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, Defence Minister Hon Judith Collins KC MP, and the people of New Zealand for their unwavering commitment to defending democracy 17,000 kilometres from their shores,” ambassador Myroshnychenko said.
“New Zealand’s regional security depends on our joint efforts as democratic nations to ensure Russia’s failure in Ukraine.”
