The pact outlines the provision of modern military equipment for ground, aerial, naval, and other uses, prioritising Ukraine’s key capacity needs and safeguarding sea routes
Spain has pledged € 1 billion (U.S. $ 1.1 billion) in military aid to Ukraine as Prime Minister – Pedro Sanchez and the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a security deal in Madrid.
The pact, which spans the next decade, outlines the provision of modern military equipment for ground, aerial, naval, and other uses, prioritising Ukraine’s key capacity needs and safeguarding sea routes for Ukraine’s food exports.
Taking it to X, Sanchez tweeted (translated to English), “Dear @ZelenskyyUa, your visit to Spain allows us to reiterate our firmest commitment to Ukraine in all areas. Defense and security, peace and reconstruction. These are our priorities, which will guide our joint efforts. Ukraine can count on Spain in its fight for peace and in the defense of all the values and principles that unite us.” Original tweet in Spanish:
Querido @ZelenskyyUa, tu visita a España nos permite reiterar nuestro más firme compromiso con Ucrania en todos los ámbitos.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) May 27, 2024
Defensa y seguridad, paz y reconstrucción. Estas son nuestras prioridades, que guiarán nuestros esfuerzos conjuntos.
Ucrania puede contar con España en… pic.twitter.com/FEAuwKRkM5
Zelenskyy tweeted (translated to English), “In a joint press conference with the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez @sanchezcastejon , I expressed my gratitude to all the Spanish people and to the Prime Minister personally for the tangible and truly vital support of Ukraine in this time of war. Spain is a reliable partner and has supported our defense since the first days of the criminal Russian invasion.” Original tweet in Spanish:
🇺🇦🇪🇸 En una conferencia de prensa conjunta con el Presidente de Gobierno de España, Pedro Sánchez @sanchezcastejon, expresé mi gratitud a todo el pueblo español y al Primer Ministro personalmente por el apoyo tangible y verdaderamente vital de Ucrania en este momento de guerra.… pic.twitter.com/6LhV4AC87f
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 27, 2024
Zelenskyy’s visit to Madrid comes amid a Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, marking significant territorial gains for Moscow in 18 months. As the conflict enters its third year, Ukraine continues to seek additional weaponry to support its forces, which are currently outmatched and outnumbered, with a particular emphasis on bolstering air defence capabilities.
Sanchez said Spain had already pledged to supply Patriot missiles, but what Zelenskyy needed from Ukraine’s allies was “the systems to launch these missiles. He said Ukraine needed at least seven more Patriot missile launchers to defend itself and would pressure its allies to obtain them. Spain will also send another batch of Leopard tanks and, importantly, ammunition. Zelenskyy said Russian forces have used about 3,200 guided aerial bombs this month.
Besides, Zelenskyy has also signed bilateral security agreements with several other countries, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom (U.K.). He will next visit the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister – Luis Montenegro and President – Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and is expected to sign a similar 10-year agreement.
