Western nations pledge more military support for Ukraine

By JAN M. OLSEN
Associated Press

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Western countries have agreed to continue long-term funding to help Ukraine’s military keep fighting nearly 5½ months after Russia invaded its neighbor. They said 1.5 billion euros ($1.5 billion) has been pledged so far and more is coming. Denmark’s defense minister said the money included donations by the U.K., Denmark and Norway. Iceland said it would assist efforts with demining in Ukraine. The one-day conference Thursday in Copenhagen was attended by 26 countries. British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said the meeting proved that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s belief that the West would lose its willingness to support Ukraine “has failed.” Norway’s defense minister said it was imperative “for Ukraine to be able to defend itself against the Russian attack.”