Donors pledge more than 1.5 bln euros for Ukraine

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - A group of 26 countries on Thursday pledged more than 1.5 billion euros ($1.55 billion) in aid to boost Ukraine's military capabilities in its war against Russia, Danish Defence Minister Morten Bodskov told a news conference.

At the end of the one-day meeting of the European Union, the Minister of Defense of Denmark has confirmed the decision to collect the money. According to the foreign news agency, this money will be spent on increasing the production of weapons and training of Ukrainian soldiers.

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallis said that this meeting proved that Russian President Putin's desire to prevent Western countries from helping Ukraine has failed.

The 1.5 billion euro amount includes contributions from the UK, Denmark and Norway, but other countries will contribute to the fund after approval by their parliaments.