Russia-Ukraine war: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses New Zealand Parliament

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has delivered a rousing speech to New Zealand MPs this morning, thanking the country for support so far and urging it to further step up on the world stage.

“We will liberate our land, we will win this war,” said Zelenskyy through an interpreter, finishing his speech to a standing ovation from MPs representing all political parties and a packed public gallery.

The historic address comes 10 months after Russia invaded Ukraine, with thousands of lives lost and millions of people displaced, drawing global condemnation. There has been increased concern of late as Russia has targeted energy supplies, shutting off power for many as the region heads into a bitter winter.

The Government today announced a further $3 million in support for humanitarian needs.

“Kia ora,” Zelenskyy said as he started his address to the New Zealand Parliament.

“I am grateful to you, dear friends. In fact, New Zealand was one of the first countries to support Ukraine in its struggle for independence.”

He noted how New Zealand had specifically changed its approach to sanctions to support Ukraine and target those “fomenting the aggression”. He also acknowledged the funding for ammunition, humanitarian assistance and military training.

“We very much appreciate this,” he said.

But Zelenskyy urged New Zealand to go further and “take a lead in the field of protecting the peace”.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressing New Zealand Parliament via video link on Wednesday, December 14. Photo / NZ Parliament

He called on the country to back a Global Peace Summit and Ukraine’s 10-point Formula for Peace, and in particular support in areas of energy and food security, and to address the environmental pollution occurring through the war.

He urged New Zealand to make a “unique contribution” and take into account the environmental aspect of Ukraine’s Formula for Peace.

“For the world to see that there is no true peace where any child can die from a hidden Russian anti-personnel mine.

“There’s no true peace where the consequences of war could be there in the form of poisoned groundwater.

“There is no true peace where ecocide has taken place.”

He ended his address with “kia kaha”.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy receiving applause after his address to Parliament in Wellington. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Zelenskyy’s historic address is the first time the head of a foreign government has addressed a sitting Parliament in New Zealand. Former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard spoke in the debating chamber in 2011, but not while the House was sitting.

His address came as Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced $3 million in aid through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support Ukrainians with basic humanitarian needs. It would cover medical supplies and equipment, power transformers and generators to cope with blackouts, and essential winter items for vulnerable families in Ukraine, like food, water and sanitation and hygiene items.

The United Nations currently estimates 17.6 million people in Ukraine, including 3.2 million children, will need humanitarian assistance in 2023, excluding those displaced to neighbouring countries. Harsh winter conditions and the targeting of critical infrastructure are making basic living conditions unbearable.

The latest support takes humanitarian aid to more than $10m, and total assistance to more than $60m - the bulk of it military assistance.

Zelenskyy spoke for about 15 minutes from 8am, as the New Zealand Government also increased its support for Ukraine and announced new sanctions against Iran over its supply of weapons technology to Russia.

His address was followed by speeches from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon, and leaders of the three other parties.

Ardern said she hoped hearing and seeing the response from all New Zealand parties on the “other side of the world” coming together and standing firmly with Ukraine that “it is not a forgotten war”.

She said it was a “simple” reason to support Ukraine.

“We asked ourselves the question, what if it was us?

“This war in our view, must not become a gateway to a more polarised and dangerous world for generations to come.

“Our solidarity with Ukraine is matched by our resolve to strengthen the international institutions that govern us and to accelerate disarmament.”

She said she acknowledged Ukraine’s peace plan and long-term impacts around unexploded ordinances and environmental pollution.

“We are with you as you seek peace but we will also be with you as you rebuild.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern responding after President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy's historic address to Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Luxon said while there was a vast distance between the two countries he had followed the war “with horror and disbelief”.

“We cannot stand back, we must stand up. None of us, especially a small country like New Zealand, wants to believe that might is right.

“We want to believe that moral courage is just as important.”

Luxon said the war had highlighted “shortcomings” of the United Nations “whose purpose is noble, but whose impact is weak”.

“This conflict is described as a war between Ukraine and Russia. But it is far bigger than that. It is a moral as well as a physical battle. That is, frankly, an existential threat to Ukraine, a war that Ukraine cannot and will not lose.”

After speeches ended, MPs sang the waiata E te Hokowhitu-a-Tū, which was written for the Māori Battalion during World War II.

Speaker of the House Adrian Rurawhe said it was an “honour” for Parliament to be able to sing it for Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy has spoken virtually to parliaments in many countries – including Australia, Canada, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Israel, Germany, Italy, and Japan. He has used the speeches to call for the support he needs in the invasion.

This month Ardern said the address was a “valuable opportunity to reiterate our support for Ukraine directly to President Zelenskyy and hear from him what the international community can do to continue to support its people, and its sovereignty.

“New Zealand is unequivocal in its condemnation of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, its people, and its sovereignty.

“Russia has chosen war, and continues to pursue a path that is claiming an unthinkable number of innocent lives. It’s also causing crippling economic pain on families and communities across the globe.”

National MP Simon O’Connor had in April lodged a motion calling for Parliament to invite Zelenskyy to speak to Parliament.

Leader of the House Chris Hipkins said at the time it would be “undiplomatic” to issue an invitation without first checking with Zelenskyy whether it would be welcome.

An invite was formally sent to Zelenskyy in November, and MPs last week confirmed the address would take place.