Skip to main content

Support to Ukraine

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine. His decision came as a shock to many across the world. Speaking on Russian state television, he spoke of a “special military operation” to “demilitarise” Ukraine. Just moments later, explosions were heard across Ukraine.

Our personnel in formation march in full gear in the Malaysian Jungle.

12 May 2023

NZDF's support continues as part of international efforts to deliver aid to Ukraine

New Zealand Defence Force personnel are continuing to assist international efforts to cohere and coordinate the movement of donated military aid to Ukraine.

New Zealand Defence Force personnel are continuing to assist international efforts to cohere and coordinate the movement of donated military aid to Ukraine.

Recently, personnel from the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) and New Zealand Army, who have been deployed to Europe as part of the multinational response to assist Ukraine’s self-defence against Russia, recently assisted with the movement of vital medical supplies.

Almost two tonnes (4380lb) of medical supplies for Ukraine were picked up by an RNZAF C-130 Hercules in Malta.

The three pallets of supplies were being distributed to a centre coordinating aid before being taken into Ukraine to support those in need.

NZDF personnel have integrated with international partner militaries and have been assisting efforts to move donated military aid to Ukraine. 

The deployment of the Hercules, air transportation and logistics personnel is in addition to the deployment of other NZDF personnel, including intelligence staff to the United Kingdom.

RNZAF Wing Commander Lisa D’Oliveira, the commander of the Air detachment, said the Air and logistics contingents were working together to ensure missions to transport donated aid were successful.

It is fantastic that the NZDF is able to provide much needed aid to support the Ukrainian effort,’’ she said. 

NZ Army Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Ropitini, commander of the logistics detachment, said the team had enjoyed coming together and working with others in the multinational effort to support Ukraine.

“It is great to play our part in ensuring important supplies and equipment get to where they need to be,’’ she said.

18 November 2022

Defence Minister meets with UK counterpart and visits NZ Army personnel

Minister of Defence Hon Peeni Henare and his United Kingdom counterpart Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace have visited NZ Army personnel delivering training to Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) soldiers.

{{ isLoading ? 'Loading' : isRevealed ? 'Less' : 'Read More' }}

14 November 2022

We're committed to providing support to Ukraine

Our deployments to the United Kingdom and Europe in support of Ukraine’s self-defence will continue into 2023. We believe in supporting our comrades overseas.

Read Full Media Release

4 October 2022

NZ soldiers train Ukrainian battlefield recruits

Move, shoot, communicate and medicate is an adage that resonates with most members of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, but for members of Op Tīeke it now has the added focus of survivability and lethality.

Read Full Media Release

15 August 2022

NZ troops make their way to the UK

The deployment, announced by the Government today, extends until 30 November and will see an infantry training contingent train approximately 800 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel.

Read Full Media Release

28 June 2022

NZDF personnel extended in roles in support of Ukraine

Our personnel have deployed to the United Kingdom and Europe to support Ukraine in its self-defence against Russia. Another six intelligence analysts will also be deployed to the United Kingdom.

Read Full Media Release

3 May 2022

NZDF support to Ukraine’s self-defence underway

New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed to Europe have quickly integrated with international partner militaries and commenced supporting Ukraine’s self-defence.

Read Full Media Release

13 April 2022

RNZAF Hercules departs for Europe

Wing Commander Lisa D’Oliveira, the Commanding Officer for RNZAF No 40 Squadron, said the Squadron was excited to be sending a C-130 Hercules and detachment to support air transport operations in Europe.

Read Full Media Release

Story Collections

Invictus 2023 banner
Invictus 2023 banner

22

Invictus Games 2023

Light Armoured Vehicles lined up in the Waiouru Military Training Area
Light Armoured Vehicles lined up in the Waiouru Military Training Area

5

Protected Mobility Capability Project

CJ130
CJ130

5

Introducing the C130J

20231702 CYCLONE GABRIELLE 5 7 BATT 011
20231702 CYCLONE GABRIELLE 5 7 BATT 011

26

Response to Cyclone Gabrielle

20220131 NZDF C1033116 075
20220131 NZDF C1033116 075

5

Tonga Response

20221212 NZDF S1015650 032
20221212 NZDF S1015650 032

6

P-8A Poseidon

20211204 NZDF P1024180 020
20211204 NZDF P1024180 020

6

Operation Solomon Islands Assistance

Devonport Naval Base Adjusted 1170
Devonport Naval Base Adjusted 1170

4

Estate Regeneration

20220923 P1024180 NZDF 003
20220923 P1024180 NZDF 003

5

Operation Respect

20220817 NZDF support to floods 7 1
20220817 NZDF support to floods 7 1

3

South Island Flood Response