Zelensky seeks energy and air defense support in Spain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI during an unannounced visit to Spain, AnewZ reported. He also attended the final day of the 30th Ibero-American Summit in Madrid.

Zelensky arrived in Spain on Tuesday evening, and the meetings took place on Thursday, November 5.

Call for assistance from Latin American countries

Addressing Latin American leaders, Zelensky urged them to raise awareness of the war in Ukraine and what he described as “Russian attacks on civilians.” He cited a strike on an aid distribution point in the settlement of Komyshuvakha in the Zaporizhzhia region.

Zelensky also outlined ways countries in the region could help Ukraine. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia could provide transformers, while Chile could supply electric cables, he said.

Sanchez said support for Ukraine should not come only from European countries. He warned that failing to defend the country’s sovereignty would legitimize “the law of the strongest.”

After meeting Felipe VI, Zelensky said he hoped for Spain’s support in strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.

Berlin visit and planned talks in Abu Dhabi

Before visiting Spain, Zelensky made an unannounced trip to Berlin on November 3 and met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

At a joint news conference, Merz backed Zelensky’s participation in the G20 summit planned for December 14-15 in Miami. If Ukraine’s future is discussed at the meeting, the country should be represented at the summit, he said.

Zelensky thanked Germany for its support and said he would not hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that a face-to-face meeting was necessary.

The visits to Germany and Spain took place ahead of trilateral talks planned for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi involving the United States, Ukraine and Russia.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said the talks were planned to discuss efforts to end the war. Zelensky said Ukraine was continuing to coordinate with its partners to achieve concrete security outcomes and take further steps toward peace.