Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid on March 18, 2026. During the official visit, the leaders signed several strategic defense agreements and discussed strengthening Ukrainian air defense. Spain confirmed a new financial and military support package to protect Ukrainian airspace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this following the bilateral talks. The main result of the meeting was Madrid’s decision to provide Ukraine with a new aid package worth 1 billion euros for 2026. Pedro Sánchez emphasized that Spain’s total support since the beginning of the full-scale invasion has already reached 4 billion euros.
The politicians paid special attention to the development of joint defense production. According to the Ukrainian leader, teams from both countries have already agreed on a list of products to be manufactured under the European SAFE program. Specifically, the Spanish Sener group signed contracts with Ukrainian enterprises Luch, Radionix, and Fire Point for cooperation in the missile and air defense sectors. Additionally, Escribano and the Ukrainian company Skyeton will jointly develop strike laser-guided systems based on Ukrainian drones.
Prospects for Defense Cooperation
The Spanish industry possesses significant technological capabilities to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy stated:
“I strongly believe in co-production between our countries. We are working together with the government and Spanish companies for the further technological development of our Defense Forces and both our countries. Ukraine is ready to help with the knowledge we gained during the war. Especially necessary are drones, experience, and capabilities. The Spanish defense industry can supply the shells, radars, and equipment that Ukraine needs.”
Beyond weaponry, the countries are strengthening infrastructure cooperation. Ukrzaliznytsia signed a contract with TRIA INGENIERÍA to implement automatic gauge-changing technology. This will allow for faster delivery of Ukrainian export goods to European Union countries. Furthermore, Madrid supported the unblocking of a 90-billion-euro European loan package.
“We also discussed the work on the 90-billion-euro package for Ukraine from Europe today. This package must be unblocked. Spain supports us. Moreover, this is not just a matter of finance, but of the basic justice that must exist in Europe,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported on the signing of a similar agreement regarding long-term financial support between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
