The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is visiting Spain on Tuesday to gather more military aid for his country against Russian aggression, during which he will meet with the King, the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, and representatives of the Spanish defense industry.
This is Zelensky's third visit to Spain since the start of Russia's attacks on Ukraine, and while government sources have assured that it will serve to confirm the unwavering commitment to this country, the Ukrainian president has expressed confidence that it will be productive.
Sánchez will reiterate the willingness to continue supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary in the meeting they will have at the Palace of Moncloa. A meeting that will take place a year and a half after both signed a bilateral agreement for the next ten years at the same location, committing Madrid to deliver 1,000 million euros in 2024 to Kiev, which could reach 5,000 million in 2027, to enhance its response to the Russian invasion.
Zelenskyy was in Spain in May of last year for the signing of the bilateral security agreement at the Palace of Moncloa, and previously participated in Granada in October 2023 in the meeting of the European Political Community organized during Spain's EU presidency semester.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signed the Book of Honor on Tuesday during his visit to the Congress of Deputies, accompanied by the President of the Chamber, Francina Armengol, and the President of the Senate, Pedro Rollán.
Zelenskyy arrived at the Congress of Deputies at 9:30 a.m. and was welcomed by Armengol and Rollán. In the Hall of Lost Steps, he signed the Book of Honor after greeting the high authorities of the Chamber, then continued with a brief visit around the Chamber.
US Envoy Witkoff to Visit Turkey and Meet with Zelenskyy
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Turkey on Wednesday and participate in the scheduled talks there with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported by a Turkish source on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
Previously, Zelenskyy had stated that he planned to travel to Turkey on Wednesday following his visit to Spain on Tuesday, adding that Ukraine was preparing to reactivate negotiations, presenting solutions that they would propose to their partners.
Zelensky Arrives at the Congress of Deputies
The Ukrainian President is already at the Congress of Deputies, where he will attend an event with the President of the Lower House, Francina Armengol, and the President of the Senate, Pedro Rollán. Zelenskyy will go to the Hall of Lost Steps at the Palace of the Cortes, where he will be received by the authorities.
Government Rules Out Confrontation with Partners Over Zelensky's Visit
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, ruled out on Tuesday any confrontation with the government's partners following the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he is expected to ask Spain for support in Ukraine's defense and security.
"No, not at all. The entire government is united for peace in Ukraine and in Europe," stated the Spanish Foreign Minister in statements on 'Las mañanas' de 'RNE', as reported by Europa Press, emphasizing that "everyone in Spain is aware" that "many things are at stake in Ukraine," such as "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country and its freedom."
"In Ukraine, basic things are at stake such as respect for human rights, international law, and international humanitarian law. We are witnessing daily bombings and drone attacks on civilian populations turned into military targets. That is unacceptable," explained Albares.
Zelenskyy: "We Hope Another Strong Country Will Increase Its Support"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said today, before starting his scheduled visit to Spain, that he hopes to close new agreements in Madrid that strengthen his country and help "save lives" and "move towards the end of the war."
"Today, I will have meetings in Spain that have been prepared for quite some time. We hope that another strong country will increase its support, helping us save lives and move towards the end of the war," wrote the Ukrainian President in X.
Zelenskyy Plans to Visit Turkey to Reactivate Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he planned to travel to Turkey on Wednesday after his visit to Spain on Tuesday. "We are preparing to reactivate negotiations and have developed solutions that we will propose to our partners. Doing everything possible to bring an end to the war is Ukraine's top priority," he said regarding the planned meetings in Turkey, as reported by Reuters.
Zelenskyy also added that Kiev was working to resume prisoner of war exchanges.
Ukrainian Attack Damages Power Plants in Parts of Donetsk Controlled by Russia
The Moscow-appointed head for the areas of the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk controlled by Russia said on Tuesday that an "unprecedented Ukrainian attack" overnight damaged two thermal power plants, leaving many settlements without electricity, as reported by Reuters.
Denis Pushilin, writing on the Telegram messaging app, stated that the boiler houses and water filtration plants of the Zuivska and Starobesheve thermal power plants stopped working, and emergency teams were working to restore the supply.
On Monday, Pushilin had stated that a Ukrainian drone attack on energy infrastructure had left around 500,000 people without electricity in several districts.
Russian Air Defense Forces Destroy 31 Ukrainian Drones Overnight
Russian air defense forces shot down 31 drones launched by Ukraine overnight, as reported by the Russian state news agency RIA, citing the daily operational report issued by the Russian Ministry of Defense. While no additional details were provided on the locations of the incidents or on possible material damage or casualties, these types of attacks and defenses have become frequent within the context of the prolonged conflict between the two countries, as reported by Reuters.
Drones, widely used by both sides for reconnaissance and attacks on military and infrastructural targets, have played a key role in nighttime operations due to their ability to evade traditional surveillance systems. The Russian ministry regularly publishes daily summaries reporting the interception of these devices, while Ukraine also regularly reports attacks on military targets on Russian territory.
Teenager Killed in Russian Missile Attack in Eastern Ukraine
A Russian missile attack killed a teenage girl in the city of Berestin in eastern Ukraine, as reported on Tuesday by the regional governor of Kharkiv.
"A 17-year-old girl who was seriously injured in the missile attack in the city of Berestin died in the hospital," posted Governor Oleg Sinegubov on Telegram.
"Nine injuries have been recorded, seven of whom are hospitalized," the governor added.