Robles announces in Kyiv a new shipment, starting in early May, of ammunition and tactical armored vehicles to Ukraine

Eduardo González Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced this Wednesday in Kyiv that Spain will supply Ukraine with 155mm caliber ammunition and “a significant number of armored tactical vehicles” starting in early May. Robles made this announcement during an official visit to Ukraine, where she participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Wall in honor of Ukraine's defenders and received the Order of Princess Olga, Third Class, from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in recognition of Spain's military and humanitarian support for the country. “Their cause is our cause. Spain will always stand with the defense of peace and democratic values,” Robles declared during the tribute to the fallen at the Memorial Wall, located in Mykhailivska Square, which “reflects the cruelty of these past four years, during which we have never ceased to stand with the Ukrainian people.” “Ukraine is already part of Spain,” the minister continued, before meeting with the head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Valeriy Vavrynyuk, and then with the Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration, Serhii Bolev, to whom she highlighted the capabilities and potential of the Spanish defense industry. [caption id="attachment_141845" align="alignnone" width="750"] Robles with Bolev at the wreath-laying ceremony. / Photo: María José Muñoz/MDE[/caption] During her meeting with the Border Guard, Robles was briefed on the evolution of the war and on Ukraine's needs, with particular attention to the capabilities of unmanned aerial systems, both for interception and reconnaissance. So far this year alone, the Border Guard has intercepted 4,000 drones, compared to approximately 1,300 in 2025. In this regard, the minister announced to her Ukrainian counterparts the upcoming delivery of “a significant number of tactical armored vehicles,” a shipment that will begin with the first units at the beginning of May and will be complemented with 155mm ammunition. “This collaboration demonstrates our country’s commitment to defending democratic values, freedom, and a just and lasting peace,” Robles affirmed. Secondly, the minister -who traveled to the Ukrainian capital accompanied by the Secretary General of Defense Policy, Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez- noted that Spain will surpass 9,000 Ukrainian military personnel trained on its soil this April, within the framework of the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM). She also highlighted the humanitarian dimension of Spanish support, including the accommodation of Ukrainian combatant families in military residences, thus complementing the strictly military aid. Zelenskyy Later, Robles was received by Zelenskyy, who awarded her the Order of Princess Olga, Third Class, in recognition of Spain's military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. Ukraine has awarded the Order of Princess Olga to outstanding women in various fields since 1997. “It is an honor to receive this decoration, which is not a personal recognition but a tribute to this struggle and example of resistance of the entire Ukrainian people,” Robles stated on behalf of all Spanish and Ukrainian women. During the meeting with Zelenskyy, Robles conveyed "Spain's solidarity with the Ukrainian people" and announced the government's commitment to supplying "new equipment" that will be sent "in the coming days," as she told reporters. “Even though the focus has now shifted to the Middle East, Spain will continue to help Ukraine because Spain is a country that shows solidarity and defends values, rights, and a just cause,” he added. For his part, Zelenskyy wrote on social media that he had discussed “defense cooperation” with Margarita Robles. “We are confident in the expansion of the SAFE program and the emergence of new products from our joint production,” he continued, referring to the EU's Action for the Security of Europe (SAFE) financial instrument, from which a significant portion of the new bilateral military aid package for 2026 originates. This package, worth one billion euros, was announced in mid-March by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during the Ukrainian president's official visit to Madrid. During that visit, the two countries also agreed to “work together and promote co-production and co-manufacturing in the field of industrial defense.” “I briefed her on the situation at the front and the ongoing Russian attacks,” Zelenskyy added. “I appreciate the support for Ukraine’s anti-missile air defense with Hawk and Patriot missiles. This weaponry is scarce, and that is why Spain’s help is so important for our defense against massive Russian attacks,” he added. “Thank you to the Minister, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and all of Spain for your support over all these years. We greatly value that we can always count on your help,” he concluded.

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