Russia is playing the same game, actively recruiting mercenaries and foreign volunteers. The upshot is that hundreds of New Zealand volunteers may be in Ukraine right now, despite the very limited assistance their government can give them. If New Zealanders were to fight in Ukraine with official authorisation, it would effectively make New Zealand an active participant. Russia is already taking a hard line against foreign volunteers, conducting trials and promising executions. Captured New Zealand volunteers will likely face the same consequences – irrespective of whether they are wearing the uniform of the Ukrainian army.

Source: Stuff August 25, 2022 03:38 UTC