Ukraine and Spain are launching a joint project to supply long-range detection radars. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the decision in Madrid during a joint press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. 

President Zelensky arrived in Spain on Tuesday, 18 November 2025. During his visit, he held several meetings in the Spanish Parliament and talks with King Felipe VI. 

“Ukraine is starting a project to supply, among other things, long-range target detection radars, which can significantly strengthen us. We saw this today,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president added that this "is entirely unique Spanish production," and "we will try to implement all of this, to test it in a real war," UkrInform reports. 

Zelenskyy visits weapons and defense equipment manufacturers

Before meeting Sánchez, Zelenskyy met with Spanish defense manufacturers and Defense Minister Margarita Robles.

According to Zelenskyy, “strong radars, drone technologies, necessary equipment — all this means greater protection of lives.”

“Ukraine is interested in a partnership with Spain in the defense sector. Today, during meetings with Spanish defense company leaders and Defense Minister Margarita Robles, we discussed directions of cooperation,” Zelenskyy stated.

He noted that the manufacturers presented their production capabilities, potential applications of weapons, and technical specifications.

“Spanish manufacturers showcased their developments: anti-drone systems, turrets, aerial and ground drones, long-range detection radars, ammunition,” Zelenskyy said.

According to the Ukrainian leader, Ukraine and Spain will continue to work together in the defense sector “for greater joint strength of our protection.”

Five bilateral documents signed between Ukraine and Spain

During the meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, five bilateral documents were signed between Spain and Kyiv:

• Memorandum of Understanding between the EU Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kingdom of Spain and Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on countering Russian disinformation;
• Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the tourism sector between Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism and Ukraine’s State Agency for Tourism Development;
• Letter of Intent to sign an agreement on technical and financial cooperation between Ukraine and Spain;
• Memorandum of Understanding between Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise and Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture on mechanisms of bilateral economic and financial cooperation;
• Memorandum of Understanding on industrial cooperation in the security and defense sector between Spanish companies Escribano and Tecnova and Ukrainian company “Praktyka.”

Spain pledges €1 billion for military equipment 

Meanwhile, according to Spanish media outlet El País, Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, announced his country’s intention to contribute €1 billion for the purchase of military equipment in the US for Ukraine.

These funds will be allocated in addition to planned expenditures for other equipment, including generators, to support Ukraine's recovery from Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.

“Spain maintains long-term commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense and will continue to do so for the duration of the war,” Albares said.

He added that last year Spain provided €1 billion for arms procurement for Ukraine, and similar assistance is expected this year.

€200 million for a reconstruction office for Ukraine

During the meeting with Sánchez, a new financial instrument of €200 million was announced to establish a government office for Ukraine’s reconstruction, aimed at modernizing infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks, according to Ukrinform.

“From today, our country will introduce a new €200 million financial aid instrument for Ukraine’s reconstruction,” Sánchez said.

He noted that the instrument will be coordinated by the new government office for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

“Within two months, this office will start operating. It will assist in modernizing and expanding infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks. This is a very critical moment for Ukrainian society, the energy sector, and transport,” the Spanish prime minister added.

In addition, Spain, in collaboration with the UN, will implement a joint project to rebuild the central heating system in Ukraine, which was damaged by the war, with a budget of approximately €2 million.

Overall, Sánchez noted that Spain will provide €817 million in support to Ukraine, with most of this amount, €615 million, allocated to military support.

Additionally, Spain will send new defense aid to Kyiv within the next month. It will include 40 missiles for IRIS-T air defense systems.  

“I am grateful for the new defense assistance package, which includes air defense missiles. This is a major shortage for us during the winter,” Zelenskyy claimed. 

Earlier, The Economist reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin moved from a strategy of conquering Ukraine to a strategy of its destruction.