The Prime Minister's justifying his noted absence from a global meeting on Ukraine, due to the time difference. 

Coalition of the Willing members gathered for virtual talks overnight, to embolden President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of a meeting at the White House, for a number of them. 

Many leaders attended, including Australia, France and the UK.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon was invited to attend the discussion - and officials joined the call in his place. 

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