Ukraine Deputy Minister of Defence Oleksandr Polishchuk (left) and Minister of Defence Peeni Henare at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine in Kyiv. Photo: Supplied by office of Peeni Henare
The Defence Minister says New Zealand could help fund more equipment for Ukraine - including possibly weapons.
On Sunday it was revealed Peeni Henare had recently visited the war-torn country after repeated requests from officials.
Henare told Morning Report visiting Ukraine had been on the table for some time - and it had finally worked out.
"Our people back home in New Zealand should be very proud of our contribution to date" - Defence Minister Peeni Henare
Henare met with Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov, and discussed helping out with equipment its soldiers needed.
Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov (left) with New Zealand's Defence Minister Peeni Henare in Kyiv. Photo: Supplied by office of Peeni Henare
He said Reznikov understood New Zealand didn't have such weapons they required, but it did have funds to obtain them.
Henare confirmed to Morning Report funding such equipment would be discussed with his colleagues when he was back in New Zealand.
"[Reznikov] was hugely appreciative of our most recent announcement to extend the training.
"He said the quality of their soldiers, and their people involved in the conflict, he's noticed some really good outcomes from the training we do, alongside our partners."
Henare said he wasn't able to talk at this time about other matters that were discussed - but that could change in the future.
He said he did not discuss the death on the battlefield of off-duty New Zealand soldier Corporal Dominic Abelen, or the efforts to repatriate his body.
"It's out of my hands," Henare said, but confirmed the embassy in Poland continued to work on the matter.
Henare said he was glad the timing to visit Ukraine had finally worked out.
"We were always clear it was an option on the table. One, it's not easy to get here, two, there's been lots going on back home and in other places.
"I'm glad they we have. Our people back home in New Zealand should be very proud of our contribution to date."