Key Takeaways
- Spain has officially pledged an 817 million euro ($946 million) aid package to support Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
- The aid includes significant military equipment, funds for purchasing U.S. gear via NATO, and credits for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
- The package is part of a broader 10-year bilateral security and defence agreement between the two nations, aiming for 1 billion euros in annual support.
- The announcement came during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s official visit to Madrid as he seeks to bolster his country’s air defences.
During a visit to Madrid on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy secured a substantial aid package from Spain totaling 817 million euros ($946 million). The commitment aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities, particularly its air defence systems, amid intensified Russian attacks.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the details alongside Zelenskiy at a joint news conference, framing the aid as a crucial step in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and civilian population.
A Landmark Security Agreement
This financial commitment is a key component of a comprehensive 10-year bilateral security and defence agreement signed by the two countries in May 2024. The long-term pact outlines an ambitious goal of providing Ukraine with 1 billion euros in aid annually.
The newly announced package is strategically divided to address immediate military needs and long-term recovery:
- Defence Equipment: 300 million euros are allocated for military hardware.
- NATO Initiative: Spain will use 100 million euros to purchase U.S. military equipment for Ukraine under NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).
- Reconstruction Fund: 200 million euros will be extended as credit for companies investing in the rebuilding of Ukraine, with a focus on critical sectors like energy, transport, and water management.
“First, for the Ukrainian army to protect the territorial integrity of Ukraine from the invader, secondly to protect the civilian population, and finally to give an impulse to reconstruction,” Sanchez stated, outlining the package’s three-pronged purpose. He also reiterated Spain’s support for using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s recovery.
Bolstering Ukraine’s Defenses
President Zelenskiy’s European trip comes as Ukraine faces a surge of Russian drone and missile strikes. His visit to Spain included a tour of the headquarters of Indra, a state-part-owned radar and anti-drone technology specialist, highlighting Kyiv’s urgent need for advanced air defence systems and ammunition.
While emphasizing the need for military support, Zelenskiy also noted that Ukraine is attempting to “reactivate” the diplomatic process to find a peaceful resolution to the war. “It’s important, as this is going on, to feel constant support behind one’s back,” he remarked.
Zelenskiy’s stop in Madrid follows visits to Greece and France and precedes a trip to Turkey, where talks are expected to continue on reviving potential peace negotiations. Spain has been a consistent supporter of Ukraine, having previously supplied Leopard tanks, Patriot missiles, and other critical military aid.
Image Referance: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/spain-announce-substantial-ukraine-aid-package-during-zelenskiy-visit-2025-11-18/