The Prime Minister has had a phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of an anticipated announcement of more support for Ukraine.
Chris Hipkins spoke with Zelensky at Auckland International Airport, shortly before flying to London, where he will attend the Coronation of King Charles III.
While in the United Kingdom, Hipkins will meet with New Zealand Defence Force personnel who are training Ukrainian troops.
The conversation was the first time the leaders had spoken following Zelensky's address to Parliament in December.
A spokesperson from the Prime Minister's Office said a series of recent high-level engagements between New Zealand and Ukraine had ensured ongoing interaction on key issues.
They said the phone call was "warm and insightful" and the two leaders discussed New Zealand's "unequivocal" support for Ukraine.
"New Zealand steadfastly supports Ukraine and will continue to look for ways we can provide meaningful contributions," Hipkins said.
Hipkins was expected to announce further support for Ukraine while in the UK, but a visit to Ukraine was currently not on his schedule.
RNZ
