A former Defence Minister says our forces will help plug a gap in Ukraine aid.

The Government's revealed New Zealand will be involved in an initiative to train Ukraine forces in Poland. 

It includes personnel from countries like Denmark, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine.

Ron Mark says Ukraine soldiers do basic training before learning specialties. 

"What does New Zealand offer? They take the pressure off of the Ukrainian training system, and getting their soldiers through that first phase. That's pretty essential." 

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