Spain pledges €1 billion in military aid to Ukraine

Spain will provide €1 billion in military aid to Ukraine in 2024, Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez announced after a meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Madrid on Monday. 

The agreement signed between Spain and Ukraine is part of a package of aid through the European Union's €5 billion Ukraine Assistance Fund.

This will involve sending missiles, Leopard tanks, artillery, and anti-drone systems to Ukraine, as well as providing assistance for demining and training for Ukrainian troops. 

Sánchez emphasized Spain's commitment to Kyiv and noted that the signed agreement has "enormous significance".

"Ukraine can count on Spain to defend peace and the values we share," he said. "It is important that the international community, and Putin in particular, know that we will be with Ukraine as long as it takes to guarantee its freedom, territorial integrity and respect for its national sovereignty."

Zelensky thanked Spain for its support, describing it as a "reliable partner" that "does not turn a blind eye" to Russian aggression.

The Ukrainian president reminded European partners that they still need Patriot air defense systems. 

Sánchez and Zelenski have admitted that Spain by itself does not have these platforms, but the Ukrainian has recalled that there is a sufficient number of systems of these characteristics in the world, "and we must pressure the partners to give us the possibility to defend us".

The Ukrainian president will also meet with King Felipe VI and visit the Spanish Congress during his official visit to the country. 

This visit comes after Zelensky canceled his previously scheduled visit on May 17 after Russia launched an offensive in the northern part of Ukraine.