New Zealand deployed C-130 aircraft to send military aid to Ukraine

The New Zealand Government announced on Monday that it would deploy a C-130 Hercules aircraft, 50 soldiers, and eight military logisticians to work on the delivery and distribution of military aid to Ukraine.

"Over the next two months, our C-130 will join a chain of military aircraft from partner nations that will travel throughout Europe, via the United Kingdom, carrying much-needed equipment and supplies to key distribution centers, but at no time will they enter Ukraine," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said during a press conference broadcast on the 1 News television channel.

Ardern said that the plane would leave for Europe on Wednesday, and that the country's servicemen "will not enter Ukraine at any time.” However, they will be transferred to German soil, and from where they will contribute to logistical tasks related to the movement of equipment and people towards the Ukrainian border.

The New Zealand government also announced an additional NZ$13 million ($8.9 million) to purchase arms and ammunition.

"Our support is to help the Ukrainian Army repel a brutal Russian invasion because peace in the region of Europe is essential for global stability," Ardern said.

New Zealand had already contributed aid worth NZ$30 million ($20.5 million) to Ukraine and deployed 67 personnel since the Russian invasion began last February 24.

The leadership of New Zealand, which supports the request for an investigation into alleged war crimes attributed to Russia has also provided humanitarian assistance and a temporary shelter program for relatives of Ukrainians living in the country.

New Zealand has so far implemented sanctions against 460 Russian individuals and entities, including President Vladimir Putin after a new law came into force in March that allows the country to impose targeted economic measures. The European Union, the U.S., and the U.K., among other nations, have also implemented severe economic sanctions against Moscow.

During Russia's war against Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, at least 1,793 civilians have been killed and 2,439 injured, according to the U.N., warning that the real figure is likely to be much higher.

More than 4.5 million Ukrainians have fled to various European countries and millions have also been displaced within the country, the UN refugee agency reported.