Zelensky flies into Madrid

Ukraine’s president arrived in Madrid unannounced during the Ibero-American Summit. Pedro Sánchez will receive him at the Moncloa Palace this evening — Zelensky’s fifth visit to Spain since the war began.

Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Madrid on Wednesday afternoon, 4 November, just as the 30th Ibero-American Summit was opening at the Teatro Real. The visit was not announced in advance for security reasons.

📍 Who he is meeting

Later today, 5 November, Pedro Sánchez will receive him at the Moncloa Palace; the government says the aim is to reaffirm Spain’s support for Ukraine. After the summit Zelensky will also meet other leaders now in Madrid — the heads of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and the Dominican Republic, Portugal’s president and prime minister, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and European Council President António Costa are in town. Exactly whom he will see has not been specified.

📍 Why he came

Zelensky himself speaks of “important meetings” on Ukraine’s air defence, protecting civilians and expanding defence cooperation and production. “We thank Spain for its help. New support measures are being prepared,” he said. He is also due to talk with the US team in these days, shortly before Ukraine and Russia meet again in Abu Dhabi on 10–11 November.

Zelensky’s previous visit to Spain was in March 2026, when Sánchez announced €1 billion in military aid for Ukraine this year. We will report on the outcome of today’s meeting as soon as it is announced.