New Zealand announces a new humanitarian aid package for Ukraine valued at 2 million euros

MADRID, 14 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The New Zealand authorities have announced on Wednesday a new humanitarian aid package for Ukraine valued at two million euros to deal with the invasion of Russian troops.

The country's Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, has indicated that Wellington will provide this aid through the International Committee of the Red Cross in order to cover the basic needs of Ukrainians.

"We continue to support the people of Ukraine as they face serious difficulties during the winter," Mahuta said, according to a statement from his ministerial portfolio.

"This will cover items such as medical supplies and equipment, transformers and power generators to deal with blackouts, and essential winter items for vulnerable families in Ukraine, such as food, water and hygiene items," the diplomat explained.

In this sense, he stressed that the blackouts "particularly affect Ukrainians who depend on electricity for their heating."

"Russia's attacks on power and other civilian infrastructure are deplorable. As Ukraine faces a harsh winter, Putin's actions have further disrupted electricity supplies and are harming the health, safety and well-being of communities already vulnerable," criticized Mahuta.

The minister has assured that this aid, which occurs "when the Russian Army has intensified its deliberate attacks on the national infrastructure, will support mine clearance efforts.

On the other hand, it has called on Russia to immediately cease attacks during the winter on elements of the Ukrainian infrastructure and to guarantee "the security of neutral and impartial humanitarian organizations" and facilitate their access to communities that need urgent assistance.

Mahuta also met this Wednesday with the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasil Miroshnichenko, after the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelenski, gave a speech before Parliament.

In addition, this Monday the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs imposed sanctions against 23 people for allegedly supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the framework of a series of measures taken in retaliation for the acts of the Russian Army.

These measures target "individuals and disinformation networks following the aggressive acts of (Russian President) Vladimir Putin," Mahuta said.

"Putin continues to use a network of media agencies and influential commentators as part of a propaganda machine to spread false information and lies as part of a specific narrative about the invasion of Ukraine," the minister lamented in a statement.