Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after the two leaders addressed the NATO summit in Spain.
Ardern spoke with Zelensky from Brussels on Thursday morning (local time). She said she assured him that New Zealand would continue to sanction those involved in the Russian government.
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said Zelensky thanked New Zealand for his support so far, and Ardern expressed solidarity with Ukraine and support for Ukraine.
In a statement, Zelensky thanked New Zealand for his support. He said they discussed strengthening New Zealand sanctions on Russia and “how to bring the invaders to justice.”
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* At least 52 people were killed in a rocket strike at a Ukrainian train station
* NATO allies are divided by whether to talk to Putin
* Ukrainian leaders say in talks that they are seeking peace “without delay”
Ardern previously said that New Zealand’s contributions, primarily through soldier training, logistical support and donations of military first aid kits, were recognized and welcomed. She said recent discussions at NATO did not reveal areas where New Zealand could make more contributions.
Zelenskyy also invites world leaders, businessmen and celebrities to Kieu, including expanding invitations to Ardern.
Ardern confirmed the invitation but said he was too late to schedule a visit to Ukraine for his trip to Europe.
She arrived in Europe earlier in the week, attended the NATO summit, and then headed to Brussels. There, Trade Minister Damien O’Connor is in the middle of trade negotiations with the European Union.
Both Ardern and Zelensky address NATO to call for UN reform, where Russia is vetoing the Security Council, despite what Ardern calls a “morally bankrupt” nation. It was used.
Throughout the summit, Ukraine issued an ongoing demand for weapons, saying that more Ukrainians would die if the West did not deliver.
Manuel Fernandes / AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address NATO leaders via a video screen during the summit.
Zelensky virtually attended the Madrid conference on Wednesday (local time), giving a speech questioning why Ukraine was unable to join the NATO alliance and seeking military assistance.
Ardern spoke at the Leaders Forum in the afternoon following Zelensky’s morning speech, acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
“Russia’s actions are insulting to all of us. This conflict should not be characterized as a war between the West vs. Russia, or democracy vs. dictatorship, either. Rather, it is fundamental. It’s a Russian war against all those who have a sense of humanity and choose to act on it, “she said.
KATIE SCOTHCHER / POOL
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit.
She said Russia’s power over multilateral institutions such as the UN Security Council needs to be reconsidered and called for UN reform accordingly.
Zelenskyy also wondered why Russia was allowed to maintain such a strong position. He said Russia’s goal is to destroy the international structure, and Vladimir Putin clearly does not take into account the international rules and laws promoted by the United Nations.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko attended the summit directly and submitted another petition to send weapons and military aid to Ukraine. “Or more people will die,” he said, saying that weapons are urgently needed for self-defense.
Zelenskyy has sought the latest weapons, including missile defense systems.
Ukraine’s plight came to mind at the NATO summit in Madrid, but Wednesday’s main focus was on how to prevent Russia’s aggression from spreading beyond Ukraine to NATO countries.
Ardern said he was asking world leaders who recently visited Ukraine for the latest information and information on the situation in Ukraine. .. There is no doubt that it is the first recollection for everyone. “
“No one has identified anything other than that we all need to continue. This can be a long-term conflict, but we need to pay attention to the ongoing humanitarian issues.” She said.
Prior to the summit, NATO Secretary-General Jason Stoltenberg said its members had agreed to a new support package for Ukraine, which promised immediate medicine and bulletproof vests. He also said NATO would support a long-term upgrade to Ukraine’s “Soviet-era equipment”, especially defense against biological and chemical weapons.
However, Wednesday’s biggest NATO announcement was to station more military equipment and troops in NATO countries near the Russian-Ukraine border. Stortemberg said more than 300,000 military personnel would be involved in the “defense and deterrence” response to prevent Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from moving further into Europe.