New Zealand defence force troops to train Ukrainian soldiers in UK

New Zealand defence force troops to train Ukrainian soldiers in UK

New Zealand will send a small number of troops from its defence force to the UK to train Ukrainian soldiers in using field artillery guns, the government announced on Monday.

Qazet.az reports that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said 30 personnel will be deployed to the UK until the end of July to train Ukrainian forces in the use of L119 105mm howitzer guns.

Around 230 Ukrainian soldiers will be trained in groups of 30, with each crew taking around a week to be fully competent in using the guns.

"Our response has not only included the condemnation of Russia, but practical support for Ukraine," Ardern said.

On the ground in Ukraine, forces will soon be receiving a shipment of the artillery guns from the UK.