A video of a ‘New Zealand war dance’ in support of Ukraine has been posted on Twitter by the wartorn country’s Ministry of Defence.

The haka is a ceremonial Māori dance, usually performed in a group, and is seen as a display of pride, strength and unity – in this case, with Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence tweet added: “Yes, dance is also a weapon. Anyone who follows our account knows this well.”

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At the beginning of May 2023, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made a statement about his country’s ongoing support of Ukraine, while visiting New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel who have been training Ukrainian troops at the Salisbury Plain Army Training Area outside of London.

“For more than a year New Zealand has stood with the people of Ukraine as they have been subject to a brutal, unrelenting and illegal invasion by Russia,” Mr Hipkins said.

New Zealand is extending its deployment for one year of 95 NZDF personnel training and supporting Ukrainian armed forces through to 30 June 2024.