Ukraine begged for help from 14 Latin America countries to boost their support for Kyiv in the war against Russia.

Politicians and diplomats from a number of countries attended the event in the Ukrainian capital earlier this week.

Representatives from the following countries were present: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, El Salvador, Ecuador, Peru and Costa Rica.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his colleagues asked the Latin American counterparts to help counter Russian propaganda being spread about the war.

Ukrainian Parliament Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk said: “Your arrival is a high manifestation of parliamentary solidarity, which will certainly serve as an extraordinary milestone in the history of our relations, as well as a pledge of strengthening our friendship and cooperation.

“I ask each of you to become a carrier and champion of truthful and important information to counter Russian narratives, refute the lies spread by the aggressor, and stand firm against criminal enemy propaganda. Today, Ukraine needs such a weapon as truth. And I know that you can give it to us.”

Since Vladimir Putin‘s Russian forces launched their invasion, Kyiv has relied heavily on international support from its allies.

At least 30 countries have committed to handing over $148billion (£116billion) in security assistance to Ukraine. The US, UK, and Germany are among the leading donors.

Ukraine is still in desperate need of support as Russia reportedly makes its fastest territorial gains since the start of the invasion – so has started looking for alternative sources of potential aid, including countries thousands of miles away.

Russian despot Vladimir Putin has also approved another increase in military spending.

Russia had been spending 25% of its budget on its military, but will now spend 32.5%. Equivalent to £99.5billion.

Zelensky surprised many this week when he told Sky News he would consider sacrificing Ukrainian territory to achieve a peace deal if it guarantees Kyiv’s NATO membership.

He said: “If we want to stop the hot stage of the war, we should take under [the] NATO umbrella the territory of Ukraine that we have under our control.

“That’s what we need to do fast, and then Ukraine can get back the other part of its territory diplomatically.”