In Madrid, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez discussed the situation at the front and the needs of the Defense Forces, including bolstering Ukraine's air defense, preparations for the Peace Summit, and the upcoming opening of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. They made the announcement during a joint press conference.
The Head of State thanked Spain for supporting Ukraine and spoke about the situation at the front and the latest shelling of Kharkiv – two Russian bombs destroyed a hypermarket killing and injuring dozens of people.
"These weeks, our warriors are defending against yet another Russian offensive, and that is why we now especially need to intensify our joint work with partners for greater security and tangible coercion of Russia into peace by all means," he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the bilateral security agreement signed today stipulates that Spain will provide €1 billion in military assistance this year. Our country will receive an additional €5 billion over the next three years through the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility.
"We appreciate Spain's interest in joint projects in arms production and security technology development. Joint projects will definitely add strength to our nations – not only military, but also economic – and create new jobs. I would also like to thank you for the decision on additional shells and armored vehicles," he emphasized.
The President also thanked Spain for its unwavering support of Ukraine's movement towards the European Union and NATO and Pedro Sánchez for confirming his participation in the Global Peace Summit.
"This Summit will be the first real opportunity to bring a just and lasting peace closer. Not just some kind of pause between Russian strikes, but a real peace. Every leader who does not want this war and Russian aggression to continue can demonstrate their genuine interest in peace at the Summit," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Prime Minister of Spain emphasized that the security agreement demonstrates Spain's determination to continue supporting Ukraine in the defense and financial sectors, as well as to participate in its reconstruction and demining.
"You can count on Spain in your struggle for peace based on the values that unite us through the UN Charter: freedom, territorial integrity, democracy. I hope we will be together in the EU in the near future," Pedro Sánchez said.
He also noted that Spain has already prepared a new batch of Leopard tanks and shells that the Ukrainian Armed Forces need.
