ISTANBUL

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Thursday he is willing to increase the number of the Leopard 2 tanks from six to 10 to be sent to Ukraine.

The decision will be made "in the coming weeks," Sanchez said at a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

Underlining the country is already training the first group of Ukrainian troops, he said Spain aims to "synchronize the delivery of the Leopards with the finalization of the training."

"Ukraine has never posed any threat to Russia, we are helping a country that is defending its people that were attacked," he said, noting that is why Kyiv "must receive our joint assistance."
Sanchez arrived Thursday in Kyiv on the eve of the one-year mark of Russia’s “special military operation.”

His announcement came one day after Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that Spain would transfer six renovated Leopard 2 A4 main battle tanks to Ukraine.

Sanchez also said that Zelenskyy asked him for "air aid" and he has specified that it is a decision that must be discussed with the rest of the NATO allies.

Later, Sanchez addressed the Ukrainian parliament and expressed Spain's full support for Ukraine.

"This is your main difference from the enemy. You know what you are fighting for. Ukraine fights for its survival. Your enemy fights for power," he said. "Their fight is not worthy. Yours is a hymn to freedom."

Sanchez later tweeted: "It is an honor for me and for all of Spain to be part of this Walk of the Brave.”