The Government will contribute $15 million to a NATO and United States initiative set up to accelerate the supply of weapons and equipment to Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed the funding for the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which is intended to speed up delivery of items the Ukrainian military says it needs most.

“The defence of Ukraine has significant implications not only for the security of Europe, but also for the Indo-Pacific,” Peters said, adding that Australia had also announced a contribution.

Collins said Ukraine was entering a fourth winter of fighting. “The challenge for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend its cities and its people remains immense in the face of the ongoing and relentless bombardment of Ukraine by Russian drones.”

The Government says New Zealand’s contribution will only be used to procure weapons or equipment that align with New Zealand’s international obligations and domestic policies. It did not specify what items might be purchased or the timing of deliveries.

Officials point to wider diplomatic, military, humanitarian and economic support for Ukraine, as well as sanctions, travel bans and export controls against Russia. Further detail is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.