As Reuters reports, a coalition of 26 countries has pledged over €1.5bn to address the military, humanitarian, and economic crisis observed by Ukraine amid the Russian invasion, which started 170 days ago. The announcement was made by Denmark’s Defence Minister Morten Bodskov. 

The commitment was made at the Copenhagen Conference for Northern European Defence Allies of Ukraine, hosted by Denmark, Ukraine, and the UK.

Ukraine is to be provided with ammunition missiles, among other things. De-mining activities are also to be taken in the most sensitive areas of the conflict, and weapon production will increase significantly.

The 26 countries represented at the conference also agreed to expand the International Fund for Ukraine. The UK alone pledged an additional €300m, including M31A1 missiles and multiple-launch rocket systems.

According to the UK’s Defence Minister Ben Wallace, the Copenhagen conference “sends a clear message to Russia”. 

“The UK and partner nations have agreed to provide long-term military funding, ensuring a steady flow of finance to provide vital military equipment, essential maintenance of existing kit, and maximising our UK-led international training programme for Ukraine’s Armed Forces,” – he announced.  

“We have provided Ukraine over $600m in comprehensive military aid since February, including the deployment this week of Canadian Armed Forces personnel to the United Kingdom under Operation UNIFIER, and 39 armoured combat support vehicles built by Canadian industry that will begin arriving in Ukraine in the coming weeks”- Canadian National Defence Minister Anita Anand explained at a press conference. 

The UK, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and the Baltics States also announced they would enhance the production of military equipment and artillery systems for the cause of Ukraine.

Image: © Ministry of National Defence, Republic of Lithuania

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen