Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be just the second head of a foreign government to address New Zealand’s Parliament, if he takes up the offer. Photo / AP, File
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be just the second head of a foreign government to address New Zealand’s Parliament, if he takes up the offer. Photo / AP, File
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been invited to address Parliament.
RNZ understands arrangements are being made for Zelenskyy to speak via video link to MPs.
Zelenskyy has spoken to many parliaments around the world since the start of the Russian invasion in February,appealing for more help in Ukraine’s war against Russia.
He would become just the second head of a foreign government to address New Zealand’s Parliament.
“I think it is somewhat undiplomatic and almost embarrassing for the New Zealand Parliament to move a motion like that without speaking to the Ukrainian President to see whether or not he wants to address the New Zealand Parliament,” Hipkins said.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke to Zelenskyy by phone in June. She had been invited to visit Ukraine’s capital Kyiv during her trade mission to Europe but couldn’t accept because of logistical challenges.
Defence Minister Peeni Henare visited Kyiv last week.
