Zelenskyy is to meet Spain’s PM Sanchez and King Felipe VI on his first official visit

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is to meet Spain’s PM Sanchez and King Felipe VI on his first official visit to the country as fierce fighting in eastern Ukraine continues amid Russia’s continued offensive. DW has more.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is making his first official visit to Spain for talks with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The leaders are expected to sign a bilateral cooperation agreement. Zelenskyy had been scheduled to travel to Spain earlier in May, but had to postpone with reports that it was due to Russia’s offensive in eastern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is on a visit to Uzbekistan where he is looking to broaden cooperation on gas supplies, according to news agencies citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. It is Putin’s third trip since his re-election in March.

Here’s a look at the latest developments from Russia’s war in Ukraine on Monday, May 27.

Zelenskyy making first official visit to Spain

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be in Spain on Monday where he will meet Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for talks.

Sanchez “will receive the president of Ukraine” at noon (1000 GMT), after which they will hold a press conference, the Spanish prime minister’s office said in a statement.

Spain’s royal family said that Zelenskyy would be received by King Felipe VI at the palace. “Afterwards, King Felipe and Queen Letizia will host a lunch in his honour,” it added.

The trip is Zelenskyy’s first official visit to Spain and comes amid heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine, as Russian forces continue attacking along the frontline.

Zelenskyy had been due to visit Spain in the middle of May but postponed with reports that it was due to the Russian offensive.

Sanchez said last week that he was preparing to sign a bilateral cooperation agreement with Zelesnkyy.

“We have made decisive progress in our bilateral relations with the Ukrainian government,” the Socialist leader said.

“So much so that I can announce to you today that, as soon as the situation on the front allows, we will sign an agreement with Ukraine that will increase economic, social and institutional cooperation between our countries,” he added.

Like other European Union member states, Spain has committed to supporting Ukraine with financial and military aid since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

In March, Spain said it would transfer 19 German-made Leopard tanks to Ukraine, the first ten of which are expected by the end of June, reported El Pais.

In May, Madrid provided Kyiv with long-range interceptor missiles for its Patriot air defense systems.

kb/sri (AFP, Reuters, AP)