National wants the Government to take its own stand against Russia.  

There are still an estimated 100,000 Russian troops massed near the Ukraine border, but Russia is denying it's planning an assault. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is recommending any New Zealander in Ukraine, whose presence isn't essential, should consider leaving. 

National Foreign Affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee told Roman Travers the New Zealand Government can't do anything thing legally, due to it being dependent on the UN. 

“We need a law in New Zealand that lets New Zealand actually make legal decisions that would be part of any international effort to isolate Russia.” 

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