Ukraine to sign security deal with Spain during Zelenskiy’s visit to Madrid
- 27 May, 10:30
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy landed in Madrid on Monday where he will meet Prime Minister Pedro Sacnhez and sign a defence agreement worth $1.23 billion to help his country’s counter-offensive efforts. Zelenskiy announced the visit in Telegram, stating that weapons supplies and training for Ukrainian soldiers would be discussed during the trip.
Zelenskiy was welcomed by Spanish King Felipe at the capital’s Baraja airport, a gesture signaling the importance of the visit. Later, the Ukrainian leader met Prime Minister Pedro Sacnhez for a joint presser.
The sides are due to sign a security deal worth 1.13 billion euros. The security agreement commits Spain to supply Ukraine with Patriot anti-aircraft missiles that Ukraine had long pleaded for to help fight back Russian offensives. Some 19 second-hand German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks, as well as other Spanish-made weapons such as anti-drone gear and ammunition are also included in the security deal, according to Spanish El Pais newspaper, citing unidentified sources familiar with the bilateral deal. Other items include more Leopard tanks for Ukraine and 155mm artillery shells that are the most used by Ukraine on the battlefield, El Pais said. Spain will also continue training Ukrainian troops and treating its wounded soldiers.
The visit comes amid fierce battles in Ukraine’s northern Kharkiv region where Russians opened a front earlier this month. The visit, like Zelenskiy’s other foreign trips, was postponed earlier due to intensified battles in Kharkiv.
