New Zealand: In solidarity and support to the Ukrainians in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The Ukraine’s flag has been hoisted in Wellington over the Parliament of New Zealand.
Taking Social Platform, The Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern wrote, Russia’s illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is a form of aggression at direct odds with the core values New Zealanders hold dear, and rely on for our own peace and security: democracy, human rights, and the international rules-based system.
Jacinda added this is why (Aotearoa) New Zealand has condemned, unequivocally, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I’ve written to Ukraine’s Prime Minister Shmyhal to express our resolute support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I’m joined in that stance by every New Zealand Parliamentarian, with our unanimous motion to condemn Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified bullying.
In response to Russia’s invasion, we moved to strongly condemn the aggression against Ukraine and to introduce a range of measures in response.
Jacinda said we have banned exports of all goods that could be used by the Russian military and suspended foreign ministry consultations with Russia. There are now travel bans in place on key individuals from Russia and Belarus involved in the invasion against Ukraine, and this list will be reviewed regularly.
We have not yet reached the extent of the measures New Zealand would take to condemn this act. We are pursuing new measures to target Russian investment, including measures to target financial institutions in New Zealand, including separate, but Russian targeted, specific legislation.
In addition to this, we are deeply concerned at the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s invasion. We’ve made an initial contribution of $2 million in humanitarian aid through the International Committee for the Red Cross and are actively investigating what more we might do on this front.
Further she said we joined more than 30 states in referring the atrocities that have occurred in Ukraine to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court which will enable an investigation into war crimes that may have occurred in Ukraine. We also co-sponsored a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s actions and demanding its immediate withdrawal. This resolution, supported by 141 votes, shows the incredible demonstration of international solidarity in the face of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Our efforts are continuing and we will be able to announce more in the coming days. The Ukraine flag continues to fly on New Zealand’s Parliament, as we the New Zealand Government, and people, stand with the people of Ukraine.
