The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during her speech by videoconference at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting
The meeting provided an opportunity to analyse the latest developments in the conflict and to discuss mechanisms to address Ukraine's most urgent needs, and reinforced the message of unity of allies and partners after two years of uninterrupted delivery of military materiel and equipment, as well as the provision of training and other support.
The meeting, the 19th in the so-called 'Ramstein format' and convened by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, was attended by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
During her speech, Robles stressed that Spain will participate in six Capability Coalitions, noting that they "constitute a key scheme to sustain our support in the long term, and are also instrumental in facilitating the progress of Ukrainian forces towards full interoperability with allies and partners".
The minister announced the imminent departure of a new maritime shipment of M-113 Tracked Armoured Personnel Carrier (TOA) vehicles - two of them converted into ambulances - to be followed by the shipment of several fire fighting, snow ploughing and personnel carrier vehicles, as well as other equipment including two lightweight boats, an electric generator and a water purification plant.
In addition, Robles has reported the shipment of various weapons for air defence, air-to-air operations and naval operations.
Finally, the Minister for Defence stressed that the training of Ukrainian forces in Spain continues at a very good pace, highlighting the quality of training that includes the use of Patriot, NASAMS and Hawk systems, and the planning and execution of underwater demining.
The minister, who was accompanied by the Secretary General for Defence Policy, Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez, ended her speech by highlighting the unity and determination of this Ukraine Defence Contact Group, to which, in her own words, "Spain will continue to contribute for as long as necessary".
Non official translation