Luxon and Ukraine peacekeepers

The story so far

In February 2025, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand was open to sending Defence Force troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers if a peace agreement was established.^{18 Feb 2025} Both the National and Labour leaders had expressed bipartisan support for the possible mission, which followed European leaders' emergency discussions on defence spending and regional stability.^{18 Feb 2025} In March, Luxon was set to join a phone call with leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Australia, arranged by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to review diplomatic efforts for peace and possible peacekeeping.^{14 Mar 2025} The next day, Luxon attended a virtual summit with about 30 world leaders on the possible deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine, which focused on the coalition's operational phase.^{16 Mar 2025} It remains unclear what specific contribution New Zealand has agreed to provide.^{16 Mar 2025}

Latest

Luxon attended a virtual summit of about 30 world leaders on the possible deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine. New Zealand's specific contribution has not been made clear.^{16 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 18 Feb 2025Luxon says NZ open to peacekeeping troops if peace agreement reached.
2. 14 Mar 2025Luxon to join leaders' phone call on Ukraine peacekeeping.
3. 16 Mar 2025Luxon attends virtual summit of about 30 leaders on Ukraine peacekeepers.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.