Spain has announced a new €1 billion military support package for Ukraine, reinforcing its commitment to Kyiv despite growing global tensions elsewhere.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made the announcement on Wednesday during an official visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Madrid, where both leaders also signed a series of cooperation agreements.
‘Spain will not stop looking towards Ukraine,’ Sanchez said after their meeting at the Moncloa Palace.
The visit – the fourth meeting between the two leaders since Zelensky took office – resulted in five new agreements covering cooperation between public institutions and private companies in both countries.
Among them is a new ICO-backed credit line aimed at supporting Ukrainian businesses, particularly in the railway sector.
Sanchez said the €1billion package would be used to boost joint defence production and strengthen military cooperation.
EU funding tool to be used
Spain will also use the EU’s SAFE instrument – a mechanism designed to support joint defence investment – to help finance part of the aid.
The Spanish leader stressed that, despite global attention shifting towards the Middle East following recent US and Israeli actions against Iran, support for Ukraine remains a priority.
‘Nothing and no one will make us forget what is happening in Ukraine,’ he said, comparing Russia’s invasion in 2022 with other international conflicts.
Zelensky calls for more EU action
Zelensky welcomed Spain’s support and thanked Sanchez ‘from the heart’, also praising how Ukrainians are treated in Spain.
He highlighted the importance of continued European backing, particularly as a €90billion EU support package remains blocked by some member states.
‘It is important that it starts working as soon as possible – we are talking about human lives,’ he said.
Impact of global tensions
The meeting took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, which are beginning to affect Ukraine’s position on the global stage.
Zelensky acknowledged that shifting geopolitical priorities are having an impact, although he insisted military supplies are still reaching Ukraine.
‘There is less, but they are still arriving,’ he said.
He also criticised recent moves by US President Donald Trump to ease some sanctions on Russian oil, claiming the decision had already generated billions in revenue for Moscow.
Future EU membership
Sanchez reiterated that Ukraine is a ‘future member of the European Union’, underlining Spain’s long-term political support for the country.
