Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has just spoken to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone.
Ardern on the phone to Zelensky. Photo: RNZ / Katie Scotcher
Ardern was invited to visit Kyiv during her trade mission in Europe but said she was unable to accept because of logistical challenges. Ardern was in Brussels when she spoke to Zelensky.
A spokesperson for the prime minister said Ardern expressed New Zealand's solidarity with Ukraine.
Ardern also assured the president New Zealand would continue with sanctions.
"President Zelensky thanked New Zealand for its assistance and said ongoing support is necessary as Ukraine casts an eye to rebuilding," the spokesperson said.
Ardern expressed support in response, the spokesperson added.
She has previously spoken with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
At the time Ardern announced her travel to Europe, she said she had not received an invitation to visit Ukraine, nor had she sought one.
"This is a country at war, and we are providing support. Being up close and in proximity would not change the level of significant support that we are providing," she said at the time.
She said New Zealand had provided "comprehensive" aid donations and other support for Ukraine.
"We've seen what this represents for the world and we've done our bit ... this is going to be a protracted conflict. I think our focus is how can we get closer to ... diplomacy-led resolution. We're not at that point now, she told media on 20 June."