Following the strike on Syria, an emergency meeting was held at the United Nations Security Council where a war of words broke out between Russia and the United States.
It comes as Jacinda Ardern pushes yet again for the five permanent members of the Security Council to have their veto privileges revoked.
The 105 missiles launched by three nations' militaries demolished three targets. It was a show of force from the west and a condemnation of chemical weapons - and a success, according to President Donald Trump, who tweeted 'Mission Accomplished'.
That's the same line George Bush used back in 2003 about the Iraq war - which went on for a further eight years.
But the mission may not yet be accomplished. At an emergency meeting of the UN Security council, there was a warning from American ambassador Nikki Haley.
"I spoke to the President this morning and he told me if the Syrian Regime uses this poisonous gas again, the United States is locked and loaded."
Russia called the meeting to try to pass a resolution condemning the allied attack, and failed. Their UN representative scolded the Americans anyway.
"This is how you want international affairs to be conducted now? This is hooliganism in international relations, and not minor hooliganism given we're talking about major nuclear powers."
The strikes will dominate conversation as our Prime Minister heads to Europe. She'll meet with Trump's international backers - French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, and UK Prime Minister Theresa May later this week.
"I have no doubt that this will be something I will be discussing with leaders in France, Germany and the UK," she says.
The Government was informed of the strikes hours before they were carried out. New Zealand usually prefers diplomatic action through the United Nations, but Ms Ardern says that didn't happen this time.
"In this case that wasn't possible due to the use of the veto by Russia."
Russia is one of five permanent members of the security council that have veto power, along with the US, the UK, China and France. Ms Ardern wants that power removed.
"We will continue to both privately and publicly contend the use of veto powers that have stopped us from being able to take multilateral action," she says.
This is not Ms Ardern's debut on the world stage, but it will be a true test of her diplomacy. As well as dealing with the Syrian conflict, and the escalating tension between Russia and the west, she also needs to woo France - we need them onside to get a trade deal with the European Union.
This is certainly a Kiwi OE like no other.
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