Ukraine War
Zelenskyj welcomed by King Felipe in Spain
Spain’s King Felipe VI welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky. Photo
© Casa De SM El Rey/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
Due to the difficult situation in the Kharkiv region, Zelenskyy had cancelled a trip to Spain. He is now making up for it.
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Spain for his first official visit. He was greeted by King Felipe VI at the foot of the aircraft stairs at Adolfo Suárez Airport in Madrid on Monday afternoon.
After his arrival, Zelensky first met with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The signing of a bilateral security agreement is planned, the left-wing government announced. A reception at the Royal Palace is scheduled to follow.
Spanish media also reported on a possible visit to the Chamber of Deputies of the Spanish Parliament later in the afternoon, but this was not officially confirmed at this time.
The visit to Spain and Portugal was originally planned for the middle of the month. However, Zelenskyy had cancelled this and other trips abroad in view of the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region. A new date for a visit to Portugal had not been officially announced as of Monday, although there had been speculation in Lisbon that the Ukrainian president could fly on to Portugal from Spain.