Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, and Pedro Sánchez, prime minister of Spain, inked a bilateral security pact Monday in Madrid.
Ukraine has been fighting against Russia’s full-scale invasion for more than two years, and the deal gives them $1.15 billion (or 1 billion euros) in military funding until 2024.
Spain is planning to supply Ukraine with several weapons, including anti-drone equipment, ammunition, and 19 used Leopard 2A4 tanks manufactured in Germany. Additionally, the shipment will include 12 Patriot anti-aircraft missiles manufactured in the United States.
Sanchez stated during a press conference that redoubling their support is more critical than ever. The ten-year agreement promises the provision of cutting-edge military hardware for use on land, in the air, and at sea.
Although direct shipments of Patriot missile launchers from Spain are now not feasible, Sanchez stated that the country is attempting to determine the best way to fulfill Ukraine’s request for such a weapon.
Zelenskyy threatened to put pressure on Ukraine’s partners to acquire seven additional Patriot launchers, stating that the country required them for defense purposes. He reported that Russian troops utilized over 3,200 guided aerial bombs throughout April while his nation was still reeling from a second devastating attack on the city of Kharkiv in the northeast.
Inadequate air defense missiles are preventing the monthly detonation of thousands of bombs. He urged allies that are reluctant to provide certain weapons to remember that air defense is defense, not offense.
Western partners are dragging their feet on crucial choices on military assistance for Ukraine, according to Zelenskyy.
King Felipe of Spain received Zelenskyy on the tarmac at Barajas airport before they met with Sanchez, a move that underscored the significance of the visit for Madrid.
Zelenskyy’s next stop will be Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. On Tuesday, he will meet with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, and the two leaders are likely to sign a similar 10-year deal.
As part of the 10-year agreement, Spain has committed to sending 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) to Ukraine by the year 2027.
