Spain has committed €1 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year, following a significant defence and security agreement signed in Madrid by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

This decade-long deal, although lacking specific public details, aims to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities, particularly its air defences.

The agreement comes in the wake of a deadly Russian attack in Kharkiv and amidst EU frustrations with Hungary’s obstruction of aid to Ukraine.

Sánchez emphasized that the aid would bolster Ukraine’s air defence systems and mentioned Spain’s plans to supply Patriot missiles, Leopard tanks, and ammunition.

The deal also encompasses intelligence, training, de-mining, reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance, The Guardian reported.

Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for Spain’s crucial support and highlighted the ongoing need for additional US-made Patriot air defence systems to counter Russian glide bomb attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure.

Written by B.C. Begley