Zelenskyy in Spain: 'Guernica' & €817M Aid for Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent visit to Spain on November 18, 2025, was a powerful blend of symbolism and substantial commitment. The Ukrainian leader met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI to secure critical support amid escalating Russian attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. Beyond the diplomatic meetings, Zelenskyy made a poignant stop at Madrid's Reina Sofía Museum to view Picasso's "Guernica," connecting Spain's wartime history to Ukraine's current struggle.

The Symbolic Power of 'Guernica'

Standing before Picasso's iconic anti-war masterpiece, Zelenskyy revisited a moment he had first invoked during the early days of the full-scale invasion in 2022. "April 2022, and the reality in Ukraine is like April 1937," he had declared then, drawing parallels between Russia's bombardment and the Nazi-fascist attack on the Basque town during Spain's Civil War.

Historian Giles Tremlett notes that "'Guernica' is possibly the world's first anti-war painting," a symbol of resilience against civilian suffering. Its presence at the UN Security Council—where Russia holds permanent veto power—adds layers of meaning to Zelenskyy's gesture. The painting, banned from Spain during Franco's dictatorship until 1981, now embodies Spain's own democratic journey and solidarity with Ukraine's fight for sovereignty.

€817M Aid Package: Military and Reconstruction Support

Spain unveiled a comprehensive €817 million aid package during Zelenskyy's visit, with a focus on urgent defense needs and long-term recovery:

• €615 million in military aid (75% of the total), including:
• €300 million for Spanish-manufactured arms
• €215 million via the EU's SAFE program for defense systems
• €100 million for U.S. missiles (Patriot Block III) via NATO's PURL program
• €200 million credit line for Spanish companies to rebuild Ukraine's energy, water, and transport sectors
• €2 million for a UN project restoring heating in Sammar (28,000 residents)

The Patriot missiles are critical for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles targeting Ukraine's power grid. "This is an urgent package for winter," Zelenskyy emphasized, noting the multi-billion cost will be shared among NATO allies.

Defense Cooperation: Spanish Technology on the Frontline

Zelenskyy toured Indra's headquarters, Spain's leading defense firm, where discussions centered on cutting-edge systems:

• The LTR-25 long-range deployable radar
• Anti-drone defense technologies
• Joint production of 4x4 armored vehicles with Ukrainian firm Praktica

"Advanced radars, drone technology, essential equipment—all this means better protection of lives," Zelenskyy stated during the meetings. Spain's defense sector sees this as an opportunity to deepen industrial ties while supporting Ukraine's immediate needs.

Political Debate and European Context

Spain's military aid faced domestic criticism from parties like Podemos, which accused Prime Minister Sánchez of a "militarist drift" benefiting U.S. interests. However, Sánchez defended the move, stressing that "Russian frozen assets must be used to rebuild Ukraine"—aligning with EU positions on seized funds.

The visit follows Zelenskyy's stops in Greece and France, where he secured an agreement to purchase 100 Rafale fighter jets. His next destination is Turkey for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff about potential peace negotiations with Russia.

Looking Ahead

Zelenskyy's European tour underscores Ukraine's urgent need for winter defense and reconstruction partnerships. Spain's commitment—rooted in historical solidarity and strategic defense cooperation—signals a unified European front against Russian aggression. As the Madrid meetings concluded, the echoes of "Guernica" reminded the world that Ukraine's fight is not just for territory, but for the principle that civilian lives must never be targets of war.