Spain Commits €1 Billion Military Aid to UkraineSpain Commits €1 Billion Military Aid to Ukraine

Spain pledged one billion euros in military aid to Ukraine as Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a security deal in Madrid.

The deal "includes a commitment for one billion euros in military aid for 2024," Sanchez told a joint news conference 

"It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities including its essential air defense systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv," he said, referring to a Russian strike on the northeastern city that killed at least 16 people.

Zelensky's visit comes as Ukraine has been battling a Russian ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which began on May 10 in Moscow's biggest territorial advance in 18 months.

With the Russian assault now in its third year, Ukraine has been pleading for more weapons for its outgunned and outnumbered troops, notably seeking help to address its lack of air defense systems.

Zelensky has already signed bilateral security agreements with several countries including France, Germany and the UK.

"I am grateful to Spain and to all of you that your hearts did not darken, you helped. You strengthen our Ukrainian force, which holds the front against Russian aggression. And with your concern, you save the lives of thousands of children, women, and men in Ukraine. Thank you!" Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Last month, Spain pledged to send an unspecified number of Patriot air defense missile systems to Ukraine; it has previously sent 10 Leopard tanks.

Until now, Madrid has only provided limited military aid to Kyiv.

By comparison, Berlin, Paris and Rome have committed 18.61 billion, 5.65 billion and 1.0 billion euros respectively, while London's contribution stands at 9.22 billion, the figures show.