World · Europe · 9 hrs ago
Zelensky visits Madrid to seek stronger air defenses for Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Madrid on Wednesday for talks on support for Ukraine.
He is due to meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI on Thursday, alongside the Ibero-American Summit.
Ukraine’s air defenses are a main priority, as Zelensky seeks to protect people and expand defense cooperation.
Spain has supported Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, including with military equipment and training for Ukrainian soldiers.
Spain pledged five Patriot missiles this year, while Kyiv says it needs about 300 to counter expected Russian ballistic missile attacks this winter.
Zelensky also plans to discuss security with US officials and coordinate with partners on next steps toward peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Madrid on Nov. 4 to seek stronger air defenses and closer defense cooperation with Spain.
He said protecting people and strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses were top priorities.
Zelensky is expected to meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI on Nov. 5, alongside events linked to the Ibero-American Summit.
The Spanish government says Sánchez’s meeting with Zelensky is intended to reaffirm Spain’s support for Ukraine.
Zelensky also said talks with the United States and coordination with partners were on his agenda.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Spain. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI.
- What
- He is seeking stronger air defenses for Ukraine and expanded defense cooperation with Spain.
- When
- Zelensky arrived on Nov. 4, 2026. Meetings with Spanish leaders are expected on Nov. 5.
- Where
- Madrid, Spain, including meetings at the Royal Palace and the Moncloa.
- Why
- To strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, protect its people and expand defense cooperation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sánchez and Zelensky met and announced a €1 billion military aid package, according to 20minutos.
Zelensky arrived in Spain and said stronger air defenses were a top priority.
Sánchez is expected to meet Zelensky at the Moncloa to reaffirm Spain’s support for Ukraine.
- Arrival
- Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 4, 2026
- Visit count
- Zelensky’s fifth visit to Spain since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022
- Expected meeting
- Pedro Sánchez and Zelensky at the Moncloa on Nov. 5
- Previous aid package
- €1 billion in military support announced in March 2026
- Defense cooperation
- Planned joint production includes drones and radars
4 sources
Zelenski viaja a España para reunirse con Sánchez y el Rey en los márgenes de la Cumbre Iberoamericana
Zelensky lands in Spain to discuss air defense
Sánchez recibe a Zelenski este jueves en Moncloa en pleno pulso del presidente ucraniano con Trump
Sánchez recibirá mañana a Zelenski en Madrid para reafirmar el respaldo de España a Ucrania
What people are saying
We are grateful to Spain for the assistance provided. Further support steps are being prepared
Our top priority is to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, protect our people and expand cooperation and production in defense.
Posts on X
Important meetings and talks coming up in Madrid. Our top priority is strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, protecting our people, and expanding defense cooperation and production. We are grateful to Spain for the assistance provided. Further support steps are being prepared.