Madrid: During a visit to Madrid, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain signed a security agreement, with Spain pledging one billion euros in military assistance to Ukraine.
Sanchez, speaking at a joint press conference, affirmed, “The agreement includes a commitment for one billion euros in military aid for 2024.” He emphasized that this aid would enhance Ukraine’s capabilities, particularly in air defense systems, crucial for protecting civilians and infrastructure, as highlighted by the recent Russian strike in Kharkiv, which claimed the lives of at least 16 people.
Zelensky’s visit coincides with Russia’s significant territorial advance in the Kharkiv region, ongoing since May 10. Ukraine, now in its third year of resisting the Russian invasion, has been seeking additional arms for its under-equipped and outnumbered troops, particularly to address its air defense deficiencies.
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The agreement reportedly includes Leopard tanks and modern Patriot missiles, as reported by the daily El Pais. Zelensky has previously ratified bilateral security accords with several nations, including the UK, Germany, and France.
Sanchez outlined the comprehensive nature of the security agreement, covering various areas such as military, humanitarian, and financial support, along with collaboration between Spanish and Ukrainian defense industries, reconstruction aid, and demining efforts.
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However, Spain’s military support to Kyiv has been relatively limited thus far. According to the Kiel Institute, Spain has committed only 330 million euros in military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, contrasting sharply with the substantial contributions from London, Berlin, Paris, and Rome.
In April, Spain pledged to transfer an unspecified quantity of Patriot air defense missile systems to Ukraine, in addition to deploying ten Leopard tanks.
