Spain will send Patriot missiles, Leopard tanks and ammunition to Ukraine

Patriot missile defense system. (Wikimedia Commons/Lance Cpl. Alyssa Chuluda)

JAKARTA - Spain will send military aid worth 1.13 billion euros to Ukraine announced last month, including Patriot missile systems and Leopard tanks, El Pais newspaper reported Monday, citing sources familiar with the plans.

Spain will hand over a dozen Patriot anti-aircraft missiles as well as second-hand German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks, as well as other home-made weapons such as anti-drone equipment and ammunition that Ukraine desperately needs, the newspaper said.

The new arms delivery commitment will be announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's official visit to Madrid on Monday, where he will meet King Felipe and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, quoted by Reuters, May 27.

The value of the package was approved last month by the government, although it did not specify what weapons were included.

Separately, PM Sanchez's spokesman refused to comment on the report from El Pais.

On Sunday, the Spanish Government announced plans for President Zelensky's visit. He is scheduled to hold a press conference with PM Sanchez after the meeting at 12:00 p.m. local time in Madrid, the Spanish government said in a statement.

The two leaders will hold a press conference after the meeting at 12.00 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB). local time in Madrid, the Spanish government said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Spanish Kingdom said that after the meeting with PM Sanchez, President Zelensky would meet King Felipe VI.

Originally, President Zelensky was scheduled to visit Spain on May 17. However, on May 15 he announced the postponement of all planned foreign visits, in line with Russia's attack on the Kharkiv region.

President Zelensky is expected to sign a bilateral security cooperation agreement with PM Sanchez, following last year's NATO joint declaration.

It is known that, along with other European Union countries, Spain is committed to supporting Ukraine with financial and military assistance after Russia's invasion in February 2022.