The visit to Spain, which is already the fourth since the full-scale war began, will allow even closer cooperation between the two countries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said following a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a decision to allocate €1 billion in 2026 for military support to Ukraine, with a significant portion provided through the European Union’s SAFE defense loan programme.
“I wanted to inform President Zelensky about new support measures that will be directed toward two priority areas for the Spanish government. First, a new commitment of €1 billion in 2026 for military support. In this way… over more than four years of war, Spain’s support since the start of the conflict amounts to nearly €4 billion,” Sánchez said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Madrid on Wednesday.
The President noted that Spain was one of the first European countries to provide funds through the SAFE defense programme to support Ukraine.
“Today we agreed on the list of products that will be produced under SAFE. We are working with European countries, including Spain, to ensure that the SAFE programme and its funds are also used to finance production in Ukraine. We expect Spain to continue supporting us in this,” Zelensky said.
The leaders also discussed the implementation of the PURL programme, which allows Ukraine to purchase currently irreplaceable missiles for the Patriot system. Strengthening air defense remains a top priority for Ukraine.
“We are actively working to ensure Europe has its own strong production of anti-ballistic systems. And I am confident that there will be results. But, unfortunately, this takes time. The protection of life cannot wait, and the Russians do not stop their attacks—even while we intensify diplomatic efforts,” Zelensky emphasized.
The President stressed his strong belief in the potential of joint defense production between the countries. Ukraine is ready to share knowledge and experience gained during this war, while Spain’s defense industry can supply the ammunition, radars, and equipment Ukraine needs.
“Today there are new defense memorandums between Ukraine and Spain, and with our private sector and companies. There is progress in economic and infrastructure cooperation, as the Prime Minister mentioned regarding the railway. These are important decisions. Humanitarian and diplomatic cooperation between our countries also continues,” Zelensky added.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Pedro Sánchez also discussed Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and sanctions against Russia. They addressed the need to unblock the €90 billion support package for Ukraine over two years, noting that this is not only a financial issue but one of justice, crucial for the real protection of Ukrainian lives.
The President thanked the Spanish Prime Minister for his consistent support of Ukraine and all Spaniards for their solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
