New Zealand will deploy 30 Defence Force personnel to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russia.
But at no point will the team enter Ukraine. Instead they will be stationed in the United Kingdom until the end of July.
The personnel will be training the soldiers in the L119 105mm light field guns, a weapon only used by a handful of countries, including New Zealand. Up to 230 Ukrainian forces will be trained. Each gun crew will take about a week to be trained.
"New Zealand has been asked specifically to provide the training team for this purpose," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.
The UK will coordinate the airlift to take New Zealand's team there, as well as training ammunition and other equipment, including aiming systems.
Ardern reiterated that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a "blatant attack on innocent lives and the sovereignty of another country".
"Our response has not only included the condemnation of Russia, but practical support for Ukraine."
Defence Minister Peeni Henare expects New Zealand's international partners will welcome the announcement "who have already recognised our contribution to date".
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"The Government is acting on a call for help with training, which will enable members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to operate L119 light field guns as they continue to defend their country against attacks by Russian forces," he said.
"We are also providing approximately 40 gun sights to Ukraine, along with a small quantity of ammunition for training purposes.
"An advance party will deploy this week with the remainder of the artillery training team deploying as soon as practicable. The training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces is expected to begin next month."
It follows the deployment of 50 personnel to Europe in April to assist with logistics, nine intelligence analysts to the UK and Belgium, and a C-130 Hercules. The Defence Force also provided 1066 body armour plates to the Ukrainian forces, along with 473 helmets and 571 camouflage vests.
So far, New Zealand has donated about $15.7 million to purchase military equipment for Ukraine and has rolled out sanctions against those associated with the Russian invasion.
New Zealand was among a number of countries to walk out of an Asia-Pacific trade ministers meeting in Bangkok on Saturday to protest Russia's actions. It took place while Russian Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov was delivering remarks.
The walkout was "an expression of disapproval at Russia's illegal war of aggression in Ukraine and its economic impact in the APEC region," one diplomat said, according to Reuters.
