Spain Boosts Ukraine Defense with Patriot Missiles and Leopard Tanks

Spain will send Patriot missiles and Leopard tanks to Ukraine as part of a 1.13 billion euro (1.23 billion USD) arms package, according to Reuters. El Pais reported, citing unnamed sources, that the package, announced last month, includes a dozen Patriot anti-aircraft missiles and 19 used German Leopard 2A4 tanks, along with Spanish-made anti-drone equipment and ammunition.

This new commitment will be officially announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Madrid, where he will meet with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe. The government approved the value of the package last month but did not specify the included weapons.

Zelensky landed in Spain for talks with Sanchez, aiming to finalize an agreement to increase Spain's military aid to Ukraine. Upon arrival at Madrid's Barajas Airport, Zelensky was greeted by King Felipe VI before heading to meet with Sanchez in the Spanish capital.

The visit occurs as Ukraine faces a Russian ground offensive in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, marking Moscow's most significant territorial push in 18 months.

In addition, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized that full NATO membership is the country's ultimate goal in a video address to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Sofia. He stated, "NATO means security, and I am convinced that Ukraine's acceptance will strengthen security in Europe and globally."

Umerov highlighted the recent Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, noting that the Russians are advancing with tanks, armored personnel carriers, and infantry, despite heavy losses. The Ukrainian forces are holding them back with their courage, but they face significant shortages of weapons, particularly projectiles and anti-aircraft defense systems.

He underscored the ongoing destruction and terror inflicted by Russia on innocent civilians, stressing the need for international support to stop these actions. Umerov called for more anti-aircraft weapons and long-range artillery to aid Ukraine in its defense efforts.

Ukraine Approves Military Service Extension for Citizens Over 60

Latvian Mayor Injured in Russian Attack

Zelensky Prepares Third Government: Major Cabinet Overhaul Begins This Week

Russian Drones Hit Polish Factory

Orban Demands EU Sanctions After Death of Ethnic Hungarian in Ukraine Sparks Diplomatic Rift

Ukraine Extends Martial Law and Mobilization Until November

Highlights

Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry Criticizes German Ambassador for 'Joining' Anti-Government Protest (UPDATED)

Die Welt Reveals: Peevski’s Shadow Over Bulgaria and Europe’s Blind Spot

Ukraine Targets Russian Cities in Overnight Drone Barrage

Analysis

Bulgarians You Should Know About

Opinions

Denial as a Threat to the Balkans: Marking 30 Years Since the Srebrenica Genocide

Ups & Downs