A new day unfolds on the Russian-Ukrainian frontlines this Monday, as the Russian army strives to gain further ground, while Kyiv attempts to garner more Western support. The Ukrainian president is visiting Spain to secure military backing from Madrid.
In the latest developments on the battlefield, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that air defense systems intercepted 12 drones over Russian territory, including in the Krasnodar region last night. The statement from the Russian defense today reads: "During the night, attempts by the Kyiv regime to carry out terrorist attacks with drones on facilities in Russian territory were thwarted. Air defense systems destroyed a drone over Bryansk province, another drone over Belgorod province, and four drones over the Krasnodar region, and intercepted six drones over Oryol province."
On May 26, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that air defense systems destroyed two "Olha" missiles over the border Belgorod province. Later that same day, the governor of Bryansk province reported that air defense systems shot down a drone in the region.
Meanwhile, the Spanish government announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is urging his country's allies to increase their assistance to counter the Russian attack, will arrive in Madrid today to meet with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Sánchez's office stated: "Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will receive the President of Ukraine" at noon, followed by a press conference by the two leaders.
The palace statement revealed that King Felipe VI will also host the Ukrainian leader. This marks Zelensky's first official visit to Spain since he took office in 2019.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister informed Spanish lawmakers that a bilateral cooperation agreement would be signed. Pedro Sánchez added, "Once the situation on the front allows, we will sign an agreement with Ukraine that will enhance economic, social, and institutional cooperation between our countries." Zelensky was originally scheduled to visit Madrid in mid-May but had to cancel due to a renewed Russian offensive in northern Ukraine, according to Spanish media. The Ukrainian president is expected to sign a bilateral security agreement aimed at ensuring military support from Madrid, according to the Spanish newspaper "El País."
