Thousands of people have been killed, at least 12 million have fled their homes and entire cities have been reduced to rubble.
Russia's invasion of its neighbour is in its sixth month, yet the bloody war rolls on and Ukraine still needs support.
Financial aid
On June 27, the government announced a further $4.5 million to the NATO Trust Fund, that it was extending Defence Force (NZDF) deployments in Europe and providing legal support for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the funds would be spent on non-lethal supplies such as medical kits for the Ukraine Army, fuel and communications equipment.
"Russia’s continued assault on Ukraine is a blatant attack on innocent lives and the sovereignty of another country. Our response has not only included the condemnation of Russia’s actions, but practical support for Ukraine,” Ardern said.
Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said New Zealand had provided more than $33m in direct funding towards supporting Ukraine.
“This commitment demonstrates New Zealand's complete support for the people of Ukraine, [and] our allegiance to those nations who are also acting against Putin's illegal war.”
In comparison to our neighbours across the Tasman, Australia's total military assistance to Ukraine is approximately AU$388 million.
Sanctions
On August 1, the Government widened its sanctions against Russia to include the “large web” of entities that support its armed forces.
“President Putin and the Russian military are responsible for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, which is a grave breach of fundamental international law,” Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said.
The measures were the latest in a series of sanctions announced since March, which initially targeted President Vladimir Putin and his key supporters.
The government was criticised for not going far enough, and has since expanded sanctions to include major banks and financial institutions with deep links to the regime, as well as tariffs on Russian imports.
Refugees
In March, the Government offered shelter for around 4000 family members of Ukrainians in New Zealand.
Under the ‘2022 Special Ukraine Visa’, Ukrainian-born New Zealand citizens and residents can apply to sponsor their immediate family members to bring them to safety.
Since February, Australia has granted more than 8,500 visas to Ukrainians.
Poland has taken in 4.81 million refugees, while The United States has admitted at least 100,000 Ukrainians over the last five months.
Listen to the full interview with Ukraine’s President Zelensky next Wednesday 17th August on Tova, 6:30am-9am on Today FM.
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
