Spain pledged one billion euros worth of military support to Ukraine, on Monday, as Russian forces continued their assault on the eastern European country's northeastern borders.
"It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities, including its essential air defense systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure, which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Moscow's ground assault on Kharkiv marked one of the biggest losses of territory for Ukraine since the outbreak of total war in 2022. Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly overwhelmed and stretched thin across the 620-mile front line, while Russian soldiers continue to bombard their troops.
Zelenskyy traveled to Madrid to ink the deal with Spain, after spending several weeks calling on Ukraine's allies to provide more aid. The Ukrainian leader also met with members of Spain's parliament and its King Felipe VI.
Zelenskyy expressed "gratitude to all the Spanish people and to the Prime Minister personally for the tangible and truly vital support of Ukraine in this time of war," in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
"Spain is a reliable partner and has supported our defense since the first days of the criminal Russian invasion."
