New Zealand’s Prime Minister Announced A C-130 Hercules Aircraft With 50 Staff To Support Ukraine

After the 47th day of the conflict, Russian aggression in Ukraine continues, and as other countries give military support to Ukraine to help it battle the invader, New Zealand has joined the bandwagon of global nations to send assistance to Ukraine.

According to RNZ, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that a C-130 Hercules aircraft with 50 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel will be despatched to Europe to assist with the transport and distribution of donated military aid to Ukraine.

During a news conference following the weekly Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ardern and Defence Minister Peeni Henare promised increased help for Ukraine in the aftermath of the Russian incursion.

Ardern stated that planes and personnel will assist in the distribution of supplies, but that they will never enter Ukraine. Following nine intelligence personnel currently stationed in the United Kingdom and Belgium, the 50 NZDF will proceed to Germany.

Ukraine continues to receive military assistance.

In addition to the 50 people on board, Air Marshal Kevin Short, Chief of the Defence Force, said the jet would be equipped with 20 maintenance specialists to ensure it could operate wherever it was needed. It is scheduled to leave on Wednesday, April 13th. New Zealand’s Cabinet has also agreed to provide an additional $13 million for military, legal, and human rights assistance, with $7.5 million going to the United Kingdom for arms and ammunition acquisition.

Ardern also announced that $4.1 million will be granted to Ukraine’s commercial satellite link, which will provide near-real-time information to Ukrainian officials, allowing them to respond to Russia’s tactical manoeuvres. She also stated that the help, in any form, is intended to support Ukraine’s attempts to counter Russia’s incursion, and that New Zealand will assess how it might make the biggest difference in the future.

New Zealand’s assistance for “non-lethal” aid is appreciated, but Ardern has previously noted that the government has always questioned the distinction between lethal and non-lethal aid because all efforts were focused on supporting the war effort.

The Prime Minister also stated that New Zealand is actively listening to Ukraine and its allies in order to determine how best to assist the Ukrainian people, and that as the situation has developed, New Zealand has responded rapidly to provide crucial assistance.

International partners, such as the United Kingdom, have acknowledged New Zealand’s contributions, according to Defence Minister Henare.