President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a bilateral agreement on security cooperation with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The document provides for cooperation in several fields, according to the Office of the President of Ukraine.
According to the text of the agreement, it provides for strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Spain to enable the Ukrainian state to defend itself against Russian aggression and to deter possible future aggression.
Spain will help Ukraine in:
- economic stability;
- recovery;
- resilience;
- reforms.
The document states that Ukraine and Spain will cooperate in the following spheres:
- security and defense: Spain's participation in coalitions of artillery, armored vehicles for Ukraine and beyond, transfer of military aid to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros in 2024, intelligence cooperation between the two countries, cooperation in the defense industry;
- civilian sphere: continuing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine as long as necessary, assistance to Ukrainian refugees, support for reforms in Ukraine on its way to joining the European Union and NATO, assistance in restoring Ukraine from the consequences of Russian aggression, assistance in demining Ukrainian territory;
- restoration of justice: Spain will continue to support the Ukrainian peace formula, including the peace summit, and will try to involve Mediterranean, Latin American, and African countries in supporting the summit;
- sanctions: Spain will continue to support new anti-Russian sanctions and help prevent attempts to circumvent the restrictions that have already been imposed;
- compensation for losses: Spain will continue to work with Ukraine to establish a compensation mechanism for the losses, damages, and harm caused by Russian aggression;
- in the event of a possible repeat attack: Spain undertakes to provide Ukraine with consultations within 24 hours, as well as rapid assistance in security and economy.
The agreement is valid for 10 years. If Ukraine becomes a NATO member earlier, the countries will decide on the further status of the document.
Read the full text of the agreement following the link.
Security assurances for Ukraine
Since the beginning of this year, Ukraine has signed bilateral agreements on security cooperation with 10 countries. Discussions on such documents began in 2023.
They provide assistance to Ukraine in defense and beyond. This way, Kyiv wants to get help both for the current war and a possible repeat of Russian aggression.
The agreement with Spain was signed during President Zelenskyy's visit to Madrid.