Apr 11, 2022 - World

New Zealand sends 50 troops to Europe to help in Ukraine war efforts

Rebecca Falconer

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's prime minister, speaks during a news conference in Wellington, New Zealand, on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. — New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during a March news conference in Wellington. Photo: Mark Coote/Bloomberg via Getty Images

New Zealand will send 50 troops, eight logistics specialists and a C-130 Hercules aircraft to Europe as part of efforts to assist Ukraine with weapons and aid, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced Monday.

The big picture: The country of 5 million will also donate NZ$13 million (US$9 million) in further support, "including a contribution via the United Kingdom to procure weapons and ammunition," per a statement from Ardern.

The personnel will be sent to Germany on Wednesday for two months to help with logistics, assisting partner nations and "carrying much-needed equipment and supplies to key distribution centres," according to Ardern.
It follows the deployment of nine NZ intelligence personnel, who are already in Europe.

What she's saying: "Our support is to assist the Ukraine Army to repel a brutal Russian invasion because peace in the region of Europe is essential for global stability," the Labour leader said.

"Such a blatant attack on a country’s sovereignty is a threat to all of us and that’s why we too have a role to play," she added.
Ardern stressed that "at no point will they enter Ukraine, and nor have they been asked to."

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New Zealand sends 50 troops to Europe to help in Ukraine war efforts

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