New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel did not think there was anything of significance behind Russia's show of military force off the Australian coast ahead of the G20 summit.

Australia is preparing to recall a warship currently in New Zealand for exercises. The warship is expected to join the country's other naval vessels on track to intercept the Russian ships heading for the Brisbane coast. International media reports indicated that a fleet of Russian warships continue to move closer to Brisbane in what observers think as a show of force ahead of a gathering of the world leaders of major economies.

Ms Merkel told reporters that the Russian warships are part the country's presence in line with the summit. Through a translator, the German chancellor said she was more concerned about the continued military tension in Ukraine than the presence of warships near Australia. She revealed that the Ukraine conflict will be part of the agenda in the G20.

Mr Key remarked that the Russian warships were technically in international waters. He said "they are free to do what they like," according to a Stuff.co report. However, the prime minister added that it was another matter if he was asked about whether Russia's show of forces was necessary in such an event.

In a report by Reuters, the Russian and Ukrainian governments had blamed one another for breaching the ceasefire amid the U.S. warning that the West may punish Russia for the escalating military conflict. The presence of Russian warships may have added to the strained relationship between Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports of growing evidence that Russia provided the missile that was used to shoot down Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 surfaced and created more tension between the two leaders.

Meanwhile, Mr Key is expected to make the most out of the G20 summit to meet with European leaders, specifically with Ms Merkel who has expressed her strong support for the EU-NZ free trade agreement. New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser will be at the meeting to build on that momentum.

Since New Zealand was given a seat in the UN Security Council, Mr Key will also play an active part in security matters especially on the subject of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria conflict in the Middle East.