The Diplomat
It has taken the Spanish government just a few hours to respond to the request made by the Ukrainian ambassador, Serhii Pohoreltsev, to send more weapons to his country. The Ministry of Defence stated yesterday in a communiqué that it has already prepared the military material it will send, and has even published a detailed list.
This military equipment will be made available to the Ukrainian authorities immediately, according to the defence communiqué, reported by Europa Press. Among the weapons mentioned are an anti-missile battery, armoured vehicles, ammunition, basic training for Ukrainian forces in Spain, clothing and winter equipment.
Defence says it has been preparing the material to be sent during August. Margarita Robles’ department points out that it will be the Ukrainian authorities who “will determine the moment of delivery”.
Among the material to be sent, Defence cites “field artillery”, although it does not specify the type or number of pieces. It only points out that “the Ukrainian authorities were already informed on 17 August that it was at their disposal at a Spanish base and ready for delivery with a total of more than 1,000 full rounds of long-range ammunition, prepared in 75 pallets of one cubic metre”.
Due to the weight and large calibre characteristics, the offer of an allied country has been accepted to carry out, in coordination with the IDCC, the air transport to the destination indicated by the Ukrainian authorities. The airlift is expected to take place in early September, for which the national overflight authorisation has also been coordinated.
In addition, the purchase and delivery to Ukraine of 1,000 tonnes of diesel oil for an approximate amount of EUR 2.5 million has been authorised. A set of TOA APC M-113 TOA vehicles will also be delivered to the Kyiv authorities, according to Defence, in good working order, pending operational readiness after overhaul.
In addition, a complete and fully operational point air defence battery and its missiles have been prepared. The Ministry has offered to train Ukraine in the operation and maintenance of the battery.
Finally, in addition to the aforementioned weapons, combat and training equipment, in response to an urgent request from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s adviser in view of the coming winter, a large shipment of uniforms and additional cold weather equipment has been prepared.
