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Zelenskyy Awards Spanish Defense Minister Order of Princess Olha for Military Support
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles to discuss joint weapons production and defense support, the President’s Office reported on April 23.
Zelenskyy thanked the Spanish Ministry of Defense, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and the Spanish people for their consistent backing of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression. He noted that his productive visit to Spain a month ago yielded numerous agreements.
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“I strongly believe that all our agreements will be implemented in the near future. Of course, we are interested in the co-production of the latest technologies together with Spain,” Zelenskyy said. “Our group was in Spain regarding our agreements on radars—we are really looking forward to these arrivals in Ukraine and want to test it all in combat conditions.”
The President emphasized that Ukraine is counting on the expansion of the SAFE program and the introduction of new jointly produced defense products. This initiative, alongside the strengthening of Ukrainian air defense, served as the central focus of the discussions.
Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude for Spain’s continued support of Ukrainian air defense, particularly the provision of Hawk and Patriot missiles. With these weapons in short supply globally, Spanish assistance is critical for repelling massive Russian strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
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The Spanish Defense Minister assured Zelenskyy of Madrid’s support.
“We know the state of affairs because I had a meeting with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. I am monitoring the situation. Now I can say that the situation has improved,” Robles emphasized. “As you know, we are trying to do everything possible to help your air defense.”
During the meeting, the President awarded Margarita Robles the Order of Princess Olha , III degree, recognizing her significant personal contribution to strengthening interstate cooperation, supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and promoting the country on the global stage.
The recent meeting with Defense Minister Robles follows Zelenskyy’s visit to Madrid in March. During that trip, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged a new $1 billion military aid package for 2026, focusing heavily on air defense, drones, and joint weapons manufacturing.
A central component of this expanding defense relationship is the integration of advanced Spanish technology, including a $44 million contract approved earlier this year for an Indra long-range tactical radar system that Ukrainian forces are now preparing to test in combat.
Madrid is also deepening its role in the country’s long-term recovery by launching a dedicated Office for the Reconstruction of Ukraine to coordinate Spanish investments in critical energy and logistics infrastructure.
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-26c3ce3ef332d23b12897922fd6165c8.jpg "A photograph of a Russian commander’s working map detailing troop distributions for the 247th Guards Air Assault Regiment, overlaid with the yellow logo of the “Atesh” partisan movement. (Source: Atesh)")