Spain Throws $1 Billion Lifeline to Ukraine

(DailyDig.com) – President Zelenskyy of Ukraine received a pledge from Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, on May 27 to provide over $1 billion worth of military support. They also pledged an additional $5 billion between 2024 and 2027.

Sanchez told reporters that they are doubling their support to mitigate the key needs for Ukraine’s war. The pledge will allow Ukraine to arm its military with modern equipment for fighting on the sea, air, and ground. They are placing a priority on the ability to protect and move goods by sea.

Zelenskyy said they still need seven more Patriot defense systems from the US to keep Russia from attacking military, civilian, and power grid targets. In the Spanish news conference, he claimed that the need for the Patriot systems would keep Russia’s glide bombs from their targets.

He further explained that two of the Patriot systems would be located in northeastern Kharkiv, where Russia had launched its bombs on May 10. The governor of the region, Oleh Syniehubov, claimed that Russia targeted a shopping mall, resulting in 18 deaths.

Ukraine has attempted to strike Russia with a drone capable of traveling long distances. According to Ukrainian officials, they set a record when one of their drones struck Orsk, a city in Russia about 1,120 miles from the border of Ukraine. The authorities have not verified the official’s claims.

The news media in Spain has reported that the country plans to commit 12 Patriot missiles sourced from the US, 19 Leopard 2A4 tanks manufactured in Germany, and additional weapons all made in Spain. However, Spain’s government did not comment on the media claims. Sanchez said Spain cannot currently meet Ukraine’s Patriot missile request, but they will accommodate some requests soon.

Sanchez added that they were currently providing Ukraine with missiles and would seek to secure a possible alternative system.

Zelenskyy told the media that their partners, who fear giving up their Patriots, should understand that Ukraine will defend their country, not commit offenses.