Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has spoken to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone just days after turning down a meeting with him. 

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office said Ardern expressed Aotearoa's solidarity and support for Ukraine and assured him that New Zealand will continue with sanctions. 

"President Zelensky thanked New Zealand for its assistance and said ongoing support is necessary as Ukraine casts an eye to rebuilding," the spokesperson said.

"Prime Minister [Ardern] expressed support."

Zelensky also acknowledged the phone call he had with Ardern.

"[We] discussed further strengthening of sanctions on Russia and ways of bringing the aggressor to justice," he tweeted.

 https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1542410561044025345

Prime Minister Ardern is currently touring Europe. Ardern gave a speech to NATO leaders on Wednesday (local time) and has freshly touched down in Brussels for trade talks with the European Union. 

Acting Prime Minister Grant Robertson confirmed earlier this week that Ardern had turned down President Zelensky's invitation to meet because it didn't fit into her Europe trip programme.