Spain pledges $1.2 billion in military aid during Zelensky visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky secured new military and industrial support from European allies during a two-day diplomatic tour, as Kyiv seeks to maintain international backing while global attention shifts toward escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Zelensky began his trip in the United Kingdom on March 17, where he met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace before holding talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in London. The two countries signed an enhanced security and defense industry cooperation agreement focused on joint production of drones, electronic warfare systems, and other military technologies.
Under the agreement, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to provide at least £3 billion annually in military aid to Ukraine through 2030 or longer if needed. A central component is the LYRA program, which will expand production of Ukrainian-designed interceptor drones in the UK. Britain will also fund a new artificial intelligence center within Ukraine’s defense ministry to support military innovation.
During an address to both houses of Parliament, Zelensky warned that the conflict involving Iran risks diverting global attention from Ukraine. Starmer echoed this concern, stressing that support for Kyiv must remain a priority despite developments in the Middle East.
On March 18, Zelensky traveled to Madrid, where Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced €1 billion in military aid for 2026, equivalent to about $1.2 billion. This brings Spain’s total support for Ukraine to €4 billion. The package is partly financed through the European Union’s SAFE program.
Spain and Ukraine also signed nine cooperation agreements covering defense production, diplomacy, transport, and finance. Four of these focus on defense industry partnerships. Spanish firm Sener will collaborate with Ukrainian companies, including Luch and Radionix, on missile and air defense systems. Another agreement links Spain’s Escribano with Ukrainian drone manufacturer Skyeton to develop laser-guided strike systems.
Zelensky said strengthening air defense remains a top priority as Ukraine continues to face aerial threats.
The visits come ahead of a European Council summit in Brussels scheduled for March 19 and 20, where Zelensky is expected to attend. The tour follows earlier meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and Romanian leaders in Bucharest, as Ukraine works to reinforce European unity amid geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
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