Zelensky seeks security guarantees and urgent energy aid in Madrid
On an unannounced visit to Madrid, Zelensky asked Western partners for concrete security guarantees and immediate deliveries of transformers, cables and generators.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an unannounced trip to Madrid where he asked Western allies for concrete security guarantees and urgent assistance to stabilise Ukraine's power network after almost five years of war following Russia's full-scale invasion.
Zelensky was received in Madrid by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI. During his visit, held on the sidelines of the 30th Ibero-American Summit, he also met with leaders from Latin America and urged them to speak openly about the invasion and back Ukraine's defence.
Requests for equipment and international backing
Addressing summit participants, Zelensky outlined the immediate deliveries his country needs to secure the electricity grid: transformers from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia; electric cables from Chile; and generators from Spain.
Speaking directly to those present, Zelensky appealed for wider awareness of the war’s impacts, saying: "Make sure the world learns about these crimes."
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that support should not be confined to Europe, arguing that global backing is necessary: "The world must support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and in the defence of international law, otherwise we would be legitimising the right of the stronger."
Zelensky also held talks with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission Executive Vice‑President Teresa Ribera, stressing the dual need for security guarantees and practical hardware to keep Ukraine’s power system running as winter approaches.
Photo: press material from the event
