Ukraine’s Prime Minister spills details on EU bid and air defense talks with Spain
Meeting of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal with Pedro Sánchez (Photo: t.me/Denys\_Smyhal/10649)
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with his Spanish counterpart, Pedro Sánchez, where they discussed strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement on his Telegram channel.
“We discussed further strengthening defense cooperation. I outlined our main needs, including air defense systems. Ukraine proposes creating joint production facilities for drones and other defense technologies. We are also working on solutions to intercept Russian drones, which attack Ukrainian infrastructure en masse every day,” Shmyhal said.
The Ukrainian Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Spain for its comprehensive support amid Russian aggression. Shmyhal noted that the total volume of Spanish aid exceeds 2 billion euros.
“Military aid is especially important. Spanish air defense systems help protect Ukrainian skies from Russian missiles and drones,” the prime minister added.
Shmyhal and Sánchez also discussed Ukraine’s reconstruction funded by the confiscation of frozen Russian assets. Among other topics, they talked about Ukraine’s European integration.
“We expect a political decision to start membership negotiations with the EU this year,” Shmyhal added.
Spain’s assistance to Ukraine
Spain has been actively supporting Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale war.
In March 2022, Prime Minister Sánchez announced that his country was ready to provide Ukraine with offensive weapons to counter Russian aggression.
Spain has also supplied air defense systems, armored vehicles, and additional ammunition.
Recently, Spain backed the creation of a special tribunal for Russia. The country’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, stated that such measures aim to combat impunity.
