Ukrainian President Visits Spain to Sign Security Agreement and Discuss Military Aid Package
On Monday, 27th May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first official visit to Spain. During this visit, a bilateral security agreement between the two countries is set to be signed. Additionally, meetings are planned with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and heads of parliamentary chambers and factions, Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter.
The plane carrying the Ukrainian delegation landed at Madrid-Barajas Airport, where King Felipe VI of Spain personally welcomed President Zelensky. Spanish media highlight this gesture as extraordinary, noting that the monarch usually does not take such steps during visits of foreign leaders. The last time King Felipe VI personally greeted a foreign head of state was in June 2022, when he welcomed US President Joe Biden for the NATO summit.
“For Ukraine and Ukrainians, it is a special honour that upon my arrival in Spain, our delegation was personally greeted by His Majesty King Felipe VI. During the visit, we will sign a bilateral security agreement and hold talks with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. We intend to discuss our current defence cooperation, the preparation of a new military aid package, and the training of Ukrainian soldiers,” stated Volodymyr Zelensky.
The upcoming security agreement aims to ensure predictability and stability of Spain's military support to Ukraine, including the supply of weapons and the training of military personnel. The agreement also envisages cooperation in developing Ukraine's defence industry and the exchange of intelligence information.
According to local media reports, following the talks, Spain will provide Ukraine with a military aid package worth $1.23 billion. This package is expected to include missiles for Patriot air defence systems, Leopard 2A4 tanks, Spanish-made weaponry such as anti-drone systems, and ammunition.
Previously, The Gaze reported that the Spanish government was preparing to send Ukraine a new military aid package, which includes additional Leopard 2A4 battle tanks.