Ukrainian President Zelensky and Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez signed an agreement in Madrid on Monday (May 27th), promising military assistance worth over 10 billion euros (approximately 11 billion US dollars) to Ukraine this year.
Sanchez, at a joint press conference in Madrid on Monday, stated that Spain will provide weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, emphasizing the increased need for support now more than ever.
According to a report by the Spanish newspaper “El Pais” on Monday, the leaders of the two countries signed the “Spain-Ukraine Security Cooperation Agreement.” Sanchez mentioned that this is a memorandum of understanding and does not require parliamentary approval.
Sanchez later posted on social media platform X, stating, “Defense and security, peace and reconstruction – these are our priorities. Ukraine can count on Spain to fight for peace and defend all the values and principles that unite us.”
Prior to meeting Sanchez, Zelensky was received by the Spanish King Felipe, highlighting Madrid’s significance in Zelensky’s visit. The Spanish King assured Zelensky of Spain’s commitment to provide material support for its “legitimate defense.”
Zelensky urged allies to do whatever it takes to compel Russia to seek peace, welcoming Spain’s consideration of providing air defense systems.
He also mentioned that Ukraine needs at least 7 Patriot air defense systems to defend itself.
Sanchez stated that Ukraine is seeking Patriot air defense systems from its allies. While Spain currently cannot provide these systems, they are offering missiles and contemplating the possibility of providing other air defense systems.
Following a deadly attack in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Zelensky mentioned that Russia launches over 3,000 bombs monthly targeting Ukrainian civilians, highlighting Ukraine’s inadequacy in air defense missiles to counter such assaults.
Earlier reports from “El Pais” mentioned Spain’s commitment to provide Ukraine with 12 American-made Patriot air defense missiles, 19 second-hand Leopard 2A4 tanks manufactured in Germany, as well as other Spanish-made weapons like anti-drone equipment and ammunition.
Zelensky is scheduled to visit the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, on Tuesday (May 28th), where he will meet with Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. There is a possibility of signing a similar 10-year military assistance agreement during this meeting.