Madrid: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in discussions with top Spanish legislators on Tuesday as part of his ongoing efforts to garner increased military support from Europe. This is a strategic move as Ukraine continues its four-year conflict with Russian forces. Zelensky's meetings in Spain are a continuation of his diplomatic campaign across Europe to secure military backing for his country.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Spanish Royal Palace confirmed that Zelensky held talks with Francina Armengol, the speaker of the Congress of Deputies, and Pedro Ojeda, the chairperson of the Senate. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing the latest developments in Ukraine. King Felipe VI was scheduled to meet with Zelensky later to discuss military aid allocations after the Ukrainian president's engagement with representatives from Spanish military industries. Additionally, Zelensky was set to meet Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to negotiate new military support agreements for Ukraine.
In a televised statement, Foreign Minister Jose Albares highlighted that Madrid had already provided Ukraine with military assistance worth one billion euros in 2024. He expressed hope that Spain would continue to purchase Ukrainian military hardware at similar levels. Furthermore, Albares noted that since the beginning of the conflict, Spain has hosted 250,000 Ukrainian citizens, including 40,000 children registered in Spanish schools. He also emphasized that Spain's support for Ukraine extends beyond military aid, encompassing reconstruction efforts and the potential for Ukraine to join the European Union.
Zelensky's visit to Spain marks his third since the onset of the conflict. Spain had previously honored an agreement to supply Ukraine with aid amounting to one billion euros. Prior to his visit to Spain, Zelensky traveled to Greece and France. In Greece, he secured a deal to import liquefied gas from the United States, an alternative to Russian gas banned by some European nations. In France, Zelensky and President Emmanuel Macron signed a letter of intent for Kyiv to acquire French Rafale fighter jets, next-generation air defense systems, and various military equipment to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.