Lorraine Williamson
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Madrid for a series of high-level meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and international leaders attending the Ibero-American Summit. His arrival on Wednesday, 4 November, follows a visit that had been kept out of the public eye for security reasons.
Zelensky landed in the Spanish capital on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of meetings scheduled for Thursday. His visit comes as Madrid hosts representatives from 22 Ibero-American countries, providing an opportunity for Ukraine to strengthen diplomatic relations with governments beyond Europe.
According to El País, which confirmed his arrival in Madrid, the trip had been arranged in advance but was not publicly announced until the Ukrainian president had landed.
Zelensky to meet Sánchez and King Felipe VI
The Ukrainian leader is expected to meet Pedro Sánchez at the Moncloa Palace late on Thursday afternoon. He is also scheduled to hold talks with King Felipe VI and several Latin American leaders who have travelled to Spain for the summit.
The Spanish government has described the purpose of the meeting with Sánchez as reaffirming Spain’s continuing support for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The visit will be Zelensky’s fifth to Spain since the invasion began. Government sources also confirmed that he intends to discuss the consequences of the war and wider international security challenges with leaders attending the summit, according to Europa Press.
Why the Madrid summit matters for Ukraine
The Ibero-American Summit brings together Spain, Portugal, Andorra and 19 Latin American countries. Although Ukraine is not a member of the group, the gathering offers Zelensky an opportunity to engage with governments whose positions on Russia’s invasion have differed considerably.
Some Latin American countries have strongly condemned Moscow’s actions, while others have adopted more cautious diplomatic positions. Building broader international support remains an important part of Ukraine’s efforts to secure a lasting peace and maintain pressure on Russia.
Zelensky is also expected to meet other international figures attending the Madrid gathering, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and European Council President António Costa.
Spain’s continuing support for Ukraine
Spain has provided political, humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Relations between Sánchez and Zelensky have included several high-level meetings and agreements covering security cooperation.
In May 2024, the two governments signed a bilateral security agreement covering ten years. During Zelensky’s previous visit to Spain in March 2026, Sánchez reiterated Spain’s commitment to further military assistance and cooperation on defence production.
Thursday’s discussions are expected to reinforce those commitments, although no new financial or military assistance package has yet been announced in connection with this visit.
Madrid hosts the Ibero-American Summit
The 30th Ibero-American Summit is taking place in Madrid on 4 and 5 November, bringing together leaders from Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Latin America. Thursday’s plenary session will be presided over by King Felipe VI.
The summit’s agenda includes artificial intelligence, education, environmental cooperation, disaster preparedness and closer ties between participating countries. Spain last hosted the gathering in 2012, in Cádiz.
The summit officially opened at Madrid’s Teatro Real on Wednesday evening, with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia presiding over the ceremony. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez highlighted climate change, artificial intelligence, mobility and opportunities for young people as challenges requiring closer international cooperation. His remarks were published in an official statement on X.
The Spanish Royal Household’s official programme also includes a dinner hosted by the King and Queen for participating delegations on Wednesday evening, ahead of Thursday’s main session.
What to expect from Thursday’s meetings
The most significant discussions for Ukraine are expected to take place on Thursday, when Zelensky meets Sánchez and other international leaders. Any announcements concerning additional Spanish assistance, diplomatic initiatives or possible cooperation with Latin American governments will become clearer following those meetings.
For now, Zelensky’s arrival places the war in Ukraine firmly on the diplomatic agenda in Madrid, at a summit primarily intended to strengthen relations between Europe and Latin America.