Zelenskiy seeks power parts from Spain

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asked Ibero-American leaders in Madrid on Thursday to supply the electrical components needed to keep his country’s power grid operational. He stated that Russian missile and drone attacks have damaged every power plant in Ukraine, forcing workers into constant repair cycles to avoid a nationwide blackout.

Zelenskiy identified specific gaps in his supply chain and requested goods from particular nations. He sought transformers from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. He asked Chile for cables and Spain for generators and other electrical equipment. He urged these governments to connect Kyiv with companies capable of providing compatible hardware quickly.

The president also framed the request as a security necessity. He noted that the conflict has changed modern defense needs, specifically regarding drones, electronic warfare systems, and air defenses. He invited summit attendees to cooperate with Ukraine on new defense technology initiatives.

Zelenskiy’s trip to Spain was not originally planned for the summit. He arrived to hold talks on improving Kyiv’s air defense capabilities and to meet with top leaders. He also cited a recent attack on a school where civilians gathered for humanitarian aid as an example of Russian war crimes. He said thousands of Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia and called for more international pressure on Moscow.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez supported the visit. He said Ukraine deserved support because an aggressor and a victim were present. He argued that Russia was violating international law while Ukraine defended its freedom and sovereignty. Sanchez added that backing Kyiv served Europe’s interest as well.