The key facts

  • Zelensky arrived in Madrid on November 4 on an unannounced visit; on November 5 he met with Sánchez and King Felipe VI
  • At the 30th Ibero-American Summit he asked Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia for supplies of transformers, and Chile for cables
  • Sánchez said that supporting Ukraine should not be Europe's task alone; Zelensky is counting on Spain's help with air defense

Unannounced visit to Madrid and meetings with Spain's leadership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Spain on Wednesday, November 4, on a previously unannounced visit. The following day he held meetings with the country's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI. This was reported by Kun.uz citing Reuters and dpa.

Appeal to Latin America at the Ibero-American Summit

Zelensky also took part in the closing day of the 30th Ibero-American Summit, held in Madrid. He called on the leaders of Latin American states to tell the world about the war in Ukraine, including Russia's strike on Kamyshevakha, 'so that the world learns about these crimes.'

Specific requests for supplies and Sánchez's position

In his speech, the Ukrainian leader focused on how the countries of the region could help Kyiv: he mentioned the possibility of supplies of transformers from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia, as well as electrical cables from Chile.

Context: Berlin, Miami and Abu Dhabi

The visit to Madrid took place a day after Zelensky's trip to Germany, which had also not been announced in advance. On November 3 in Berlin he met with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz; at a joint press conference the chancellor supported the Ukrainian president's participation in the G20 summit, which will be held in Miami on December 14–15. Zelensky thanked Germany for its assistance and rejected the possibility of telephone talks with Vladimir Putin, stressing the need for an in-person meeting.

What is known about the upcoming talks

According to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, trilateral talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi are scheduled for November 10–11. Thus, Zelensky's trips to Berlin and Madrid came just days before this format. In addition, the meeting with King Felipe VI concerned strengthening Ukraine's air defense: Zelensky said he 'is counting on Spain's support' on this issue.