The Diplomat
The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, presided yesterday at the Toledo Infantry Academy over the ceremony of the imposition of decorations by the Ukrainian authorities on the Spanish personnel involved in the training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
During the event, the Ukrainian ambassador to Spain, Serhii Pohoreltsev, and the Defense attaché, Sergii Vtorykh, presented the decorations to the 34 Spanish soldiers. The commander of the Operations Command (CMOPS), Lieutenant General Francisco Braco, has been recognized with the Cross of Merit, while the remaining personnel have received the Distinction of Honor for Assistance to the Army.
According to Margarita Robles, the decorated soldiers “represent all the Spanish Armed Forces” for their work. “This mission and support for Ukraine will continue as long as necessary,” she added. “You will always find in the Spanish citizens and soldiers all the support for the just cause of Ukraine,” she continued. Likewise, the minister addressed the Ukrainian military, who represent “an example of patriotism and love for her country.” The event was attended by the Chief of the Defense Staff, Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón, and the director of the Toledo Infantry Academy, Colonel Álvaro Díaz Fernández.
For his part, the Ukrainian ambassador to Spain thanked “very much the instructors who have shared their knowledge and who are training the Ukrainian personnel.” “Their work helps save lives, win the war and restore peace,” he said. “The training of the troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a very important element of military support to our country,” Pohoreltsev added.
Spain participates in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA) through the Toledo Training Coordination Center (TTCC). Since November 2022, when the first contingent was formed, more than 3,000 Ukrainian fighters have been trained.
