Spain to Send Patriot Missiles, Leopard Tanks to Ukraine in €1.13B Weapon Package

Spain plans to deliver a significant weapons package to Ukraine, including Patriot missiles and Leopard tanks, as part of a €1.13 billion ($1.23 billion) commitment, El Pais reported on Monday.

The package, approved last month by the Spanish government, is expected to be formally announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Madrid. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe.

“It is a special honour for Ukraine and Ukrainians that, upon my arrival in Spain, His Majesty King Felipe VI personally welcomed our delegation. During the visit, we will sign a bilateral security agreement and hold talks with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. We intend to discuss our ongoing defense cooperation, the preparation of a new military aid package, and training for Ukrainian soldiers,” Zelenskyy stated in a social media post today.

Spain will hand over a dozen Patriot anti-aircraft missiles and 19 second-hand German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks, alongside other military equipment such as anti-drone gear and ammunition, according to El Pais. The Spanish government had previously approved the value of the package without specifying the included weapons.

Sanchez's spokespeople declined to comment on the report.

President Zelenskiy arrived in Madrid on Monday, intending to sign a bilateral security agreement with Spain. This move is part of Ukraine's efforts to bolster its defenses amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy's visit was initially scheduled for earlier this month but was postponed following a Russian offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region, which has put additional strain on Ukrainian forces.

The conflict has seen intensified Russian efforts to penetrate deeper into the eastern Donetsk region. Zelenskiy indicated on Sunday that Russia is preparing for another offensive in a different area along the approximately 1,000-kilometer front line.

A Western intelligence assessment suggested that Russia's Kharkiv offensive has diminished. The U.K. defense ministry stated, "The northern Kharkiv front has likely stabilized with Russian territorial control fragmented and not joined up. Russia's gains in this axis will be limited in the coming week, as Russia's initial momentum has been contained by Ukrainian resistance."