The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, is travelling to Ukraine on Tuesday 24th February, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the start of the Russian aggression, to convey the solidarity of the Spanish Government and people and reiterate Spain's firm support in a context marked by continuous Russian attacks on urban areas, civilian infrastructure and the Ukrainian energy system.
This is the minister's fifth visit to Ukraine since 2022. The programme includes his participation in anniversary commemorative events, as well as a meeting with his counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, following their recent meeting on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The visit comes at a particularly important time, marked by diplomatic efforts in favour of a just and lasting peace and by the need to maintain international support in the face of the prolonged conflict.
Support from Spain
Since the start of the war, Spain has provided military, financial and humanitarian aid; reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction and integration into the European Union; advocated accountability for violations of international law; and engaged in intense diplomatic action in international organisations, multilateral forums and with third countries.
Spain is part of the G5+ group, together with the main European countries and the United Kingdom, which held a high-level meeting in Madrid in 2025.
In the energy and humanitarian fields, Spain remains committed to the Ukrainian people, especially in the face of a particularly harsh winter. In February, six new high-capacity generators were donated, which will provide electricity to 14,000 people and mitigate the impact of attacks on civilian infrastructure. This contribution is in addition to the 70 generators sent in October 2025. In the field of defence, Spain continues to provide support, as demonstrated by the recent air defence assistance package. In 2025, Spain was the eighth largest contributor of military aid and the fourth largest contributor to training and instruction.
During Spain's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2023, negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the EU formally began. Likewise, since 2022, Spain has granted temporary protection to 240,000 Ukrainian citizens, in addition to the more than 115,000 already residing in our country before the start of the war.
European loan and sanctions
In his speech on Monday in Brussels, the minister argued that the special European loan of €90 billion to Ukraine should be operational as soon as possible. Spain also supports the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
In the minister's words, ‘we must help Ukraine not only to defend itself, but also to win peace: a just, lasting peace based on respect for its sovereignty, which guarantees that this will be the last aggression it suffers’.
Albares reiterated that Spain has supported Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and democracy from the outset, stressing that this war also constitutes an attack on Europe and its values.
‘Vladimir Putin cannot forgive Ukraine for wanting to be a democracy, a pluralistic, open and tolerant society; for wanting to be part of the European Union,’ he said.
Spain will continue to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary.
For images of the event, click here
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