Else Beekman
Spain will provide €1.1 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This unprecedented amount is set out in an agreement that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed in Madrid on Monday.
On Monday, Zelensky was in the Spanish capital for an official visit. The military support he has secured for his country includes a wide range of weapons and equipment. The new aid package consists of a second batch of Patriot missiles, bringing the total to twelve. These missiles are crucial for intercepting cruise missiles with which Russia attacks Ukrainian infrastructures. In addition, nineteen additional second-hand Leopard 2A4 tanks will be delivered. The first ten of these tanks, which had been in storage for a long time, are currently being rehabilitated and will be sent to Ukraine before June 30, along with the Patriot missiles and associated ammunition.
Production by Spanish industry
Unlike previous deliveries, the majority of this new package of weapons comes from new production by Spanish companies such as TRC, Indra, Escribano, Uro, Expal and Instalaza. Delivery may therefore take some time. That is why the agreement has an initial term of two years, with a possible extension of a third year. In addition, Spain will train 400 additional Ukrainian soldiers, on top of the 4,000 already trained by the Toledo Training Coordination Centre (TTCC).
Political context
The Spanish government approved this aid package on April 16. Although it was not explicitly stated at the time that the material was intended for Ukraine. The costs of this military aid are advanced by the Ministry of Defense. An attempt is then made to obtain financing through the EU. The EU has approved a specific fund of €5 billion for Ukraine. To date, military aid has mainly been financed through the European Peace Facility (EPF). For the period 2021-2027, this has a maximum of €17 billion.
International relation
The agreement on this military aid comes after months of negotiations and is indicative of Spain’s long-term support of Ukraine. Although Spain is not a member of the G7, it has joined the group’s call to support Ukraine.
Also read: Ukrainian President Zelensky visits Spain