Spanish officials have pledged to unveil a “substantial” new aid package for Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Madrid on Tuesday, meeting senior defense executives and lawmakers amid a fresh wave of Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine.

Zelensky began his visit at the Madrid headquarters of “Indra” – Spain’s state-linked radar and anti-drone manufacturer – accompanied by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles and executives from other defense firms.

“Advanced radars, drone technologies, essential equipment – all of this means better protection of lives,” Zelensky wrote on X after meeting the executives.

Zelensky said Ukraine “needs to bolster air defense,” adding that Spanish production capacity and technology could strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities.

Zelensky noted that Spanish manufacturers had presented anti-drone systems, turrets, aerial and ground drones, long-range detection radars and munitions, outlining both capabilities and production potential.

Zelensky added that Kyiv seeks “greater joint strength in our defense.”

Spain promises new “substantial” package

Diego Martínez Belio, Spain’s secretary of state for foreign affairs, said at a conference that Madrid would announce a “substantial” assistance package during Zelensky’s visit without providing specifics.

Spain has been vocal in its support for Kyiv despite criticism from some NATO allies over its own defense-spending levels. In February, Madrid pledged a €1 billion ($1.15 billion) military aid package under a 10-year security and defense agreement signed with Ukraine in May 2024. Past contributions have included Leopard tanks, Patriot missiles, anti-tank systems and artillery ammunition.

Zelensky is also expected to raise issues concerning frozen Russian assets and financing for the energy sector during talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez later in the day, following a lunch with King Felipe VI. A joint press conference is scheduled for the late afternoon.

Meetings in parliament: Air defense remains top priority

Earlier in the day, Zelensky met Speaker of the Congress of Deputies Francina Armengol and Senate President Pedro Rollán. He briefed them on frontline developments and Russia’s attacks on civilians and energy sites.

Zelensky also highlighted opportunities under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, through which NATO members would purchase US weaponry for Ukraine, as well as the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument to bolster member states’ defense capacity.

Zelensky also discussed humanitarian and energy assistance, thanking both chambers of the “Cortes Generales” for supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and its European integration path, noting their backing for Ukraine’s and Moldova’s EU aspirations.

Zelensky’s visit to Spain follows trips to Greece and France, where he signed an agreement to purchase up to 100 French-made Rafale fighter jets over the next decade.

After Spain, Zelensky will travel to Turkey on Wednesday, where he is expected to meet US special envoy Steve Witkoff for discussions on reviving potential peace talks with Russia.