Madrid, Spain

Spain on Monday (May 27) pledged to provide military aid to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in 2024 under a security deal signed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid.

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The deal "includes a commitment for one billion euros in military aid for 2024," Sanchez told a joint press conference.

"It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities including its essential air defence systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv," he said, referring to a Russian strike on the northeastern city that killed at least 16 people.

Zelensky's visit comes as Ukraine battles Russia's ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which started on May 10.

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Sanchez stated that Spain had already vowed to provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles, however, what Zelensky needed from Ukraine's allies was "the systems to launch these missiles".

"That's what he working on with different allies to see exactly how many we can send to guarantee this aerial security."

Spain would also send "another batch of Leopard tanks and above all ammunition," Sanchez said, pledging to keep working with Kyiv "to understand how else -- and with what other alternative systems -- we can help ensure Ukraine's air security."

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Sanchez, elucidating on the security deal said that it would cover several issues from "military, humanitarian and financial support, to collaboration between Spanish and Ukrainian defence industries, as well as help with reconstruction and de-mining among other things".   

Zelensky has previously signed bilateral security agreements with countries including France, Germany and the UK. 

Also read: Russia bombs DIY store in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, Zelensky says ‘over 200’ feared inside

As the Russian aggression entered its third year, Ukraine has pleaded for more arms and ammunition for its troops.

Russian strike on hardware store in Kharkiv kills 14

Meanwhile, the death toll from a Russian strike on a hardware superstore in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv rose to 14, said the regional governor, on Sunday (May 26). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the daylight attack on an “obviously civilian” target. 

"The number of dead has grown to 14," said Synegubov, adding that nearly 200 rescuers worked at the scene. 

Earlier, Synegubov had said that six people had “died on the spot,” 40 were wounded and 16 were missing after two guided Russian bombs hit the store. The death toll was later revised to 11. 

In a video on the messaging app, Synegubov said that two of those killed “were men who worked in the hypermarket”. 

(With inputs from agencies)