The Spanish Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, said this Wednesday that the Government will not stop supporting Ukraine despite the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, a conflict that she described as incomprehensible and contrary to international law.
“It is true that terrible things are happening in the Middle East but we cannot forget about Ukraine,” the minister said in statements to the media.
Robles explained that he made a commitment to the Ukrainian leaders with whom he met in kyiv to send more military material, but declined out of “prudence” to give more details about the assistance that Spain plans to offer in this chapter.
The minister also affirmed that “Spain will always be at peace,” and pointed out about the Iran conflict that it is “a war for no reason,” “against international law” and “that made no sense.”
“Precisely for that reason, because we firmly believe in international law, because we firmly believe in peace, from the beginning we have supported the Ukrainian Government and we will continue to do so,” he declared.
The Defense Minister made these statements after receiving the Order of Princess Olga from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, one of the most important awards granted by Ukraine and which is awarded exclusively to women.
“It is for all Spanish women, for Ukrainian women, who are always the victims, once again, of this terrible injustice,” she stated.
The Order of Princess Olga is a civil decoration honoring Olga of kyiv and is awarded to women for their personal merits in state, productive, scientific, educational, cultural, charitable and other social activities, as well as for their work in raising children within the family.
It was established by Presidential Decree No. 827/97 of August 15, 1997 and has three grades or classes. The first degree medal is adorned with four rectangular amethysts and features a gold ornament with silver details. The other two grades also include precious stones.
Both Ukrainian citizens and foreigners are eligible for the order. The President of Ukraine can revoke it if the person who holds it is convicted of a serious crime, the country’s Ministry of Defense reports on its website.
New aid announcement
In addition to being received by Zelensky, Robles also met in kyiv with the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Mijailo Fedorov, and with the head of the State Border Service of Ukraine, Valeri Vavriniuk.
In those meetings, the socialist announced that Spain will send 100 VAMTAC armored vehicles and a supply of 155-millimeter artillery ammunition to the State Border Guard of Ukraine. “This collaboration is an example of our country’s commitment to the defense of democratic values, freedom and a just and lasting peace,” Robles declared in a press release from the ministry.
The first shipments will arrive in May. 155-millimeter artillery shells will be added to these deliveries.
VAMTAC all-terrain vehicles can travel long distances, change positions quickly and reach speeds of 135 kilometers per hour (83 miles per hour), the ministry said. Ukrainian forces use these vehicles to mount and operate Rapid Ranger air defense missiles.
And what is this Rapid Ranger thing? Well, a mobile laser-guided air defense system, manufactured in the United Kingdom, designed for rapid and effective deployment against low-flying threats, including drones and helicopters.
NATO and EU member Spain has provided military, financial and other support to kyiv since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The aid has included Leopard 2A4 tanks and training for Ukrainian soldiers.
