MPs are debating whether to haul the Russian Ambassador before them for parliamentary questioning over the Ukraine invasion.
Such a step would be extraordinary: Parliament has only used its power to summon someone once.
In the meantime, the National Party has said Russia's envoy to New Zealand, Georgii Zuev, should be kicked out of the country.
The government says it wants to keep the communication channels open.
Victoria University professor of strategic studies Robert Ayson spoke to Susie Ferguson.