The Foreign Affairs Minister has had no direct communication with New Zealand’s Ambassador to Russia since the Ukraine invasion began.

But Nania Mahuta said communications would normally be through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

National’s Foreign Affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee said it was “extraordinary to learn that Minister Mahuta has not had any direct contact with the NZ Ambassador to Russia since the Ukraine invasion. “

He said “our Ambassador has remained in Russia to provide updates, including on the safety of Kiwis, yet the Minister has not personally engaged with her.”

Meanwhile, a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) artillery training team of up to 30 personnel will be deployed to the United Kingdom to help train Ukrainian military personnel in operating L119 105mm light field guns.