Ukraine and Spain sign Defense Memorandum: What it includes

During President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Madrid, Ukraine and Spain signed a defense memorandum, which will remain in effect for three years.

The memorandum aims to establish cooperation between the defense sectors of Ukraine and Spain. It concerns cooperation between two Spanish companies — TECNOVE S.L. (specialized vehicle manufacturer) and EM&E Group (producer of remotely controlled combat modules) — and the Ukrainian enterprise PJSC NVO «PRAKTIKA» (manufacturer of armored vehicles and military automobiles).

After signing the memorandum, Ukraine and Spain plan to jointly manufacture armored and specialized vehicles in Spain. The vehicles could be used by EU countries, Ukraine, and other nations, and Spain may also provide ready-made vehicles to Ukraine as military aid.

The production will involve assembling the vehicles from kits produced in Ukraine.

Specifically, the plan includes the production of multi-purpose armored vehicles, fire support vehicles (which can be equipped with EM&E systems if financed by Spain), specialized military vehicles, as well as the development of unarmed armored vehicles for humanitarian demining.

The memorandum is not legally binding — it’s a declaration of intent rather than a contract. However, it sets the stage for future agreements that will carry full legal force.

During the night of November 17–18, Russian strikes hit Dnipro, damaging the offices of Suspilne and Ukrainian Radio.

Suspilne reported the damage via its Telegram channel.

“The Suspilne Dnipro and Ukrainian Radio Dnipro offices were damaged in the city’s massive shelling on November 17 evening,” the statement reads.

The attack sparked a fire that was not put out until morning. Windows and doors were blown out, and both the roof and floors suffered damage.

No staff were inside the offices when the strike occurred.

Russian drone strikes in Dnipro and nearby areas late on November 17 led to electricity problems, with severe voltage fluctuations prompting authorities to advise residents to switch off household appliances temporarily.

Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Vladyslav Haivanenko, urged people to follow safety rules.

“Dnipro is under a massive attack by enemy "Shahed" drones. Please stay in safe locations until the all-clear,” he wrote.

Drone strikes sparked fires across Dnipro and nearby areas. Eyewitnesses reported up to 20 explosions, primarily in the Industrial District.

“Drone attacks caused fires in Dnipro and the surrounding district. Details are being confirmed. Meanwhile, follow all safety rules. The threat is ongoing,” the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration said.

During his visit to France, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the Kernic Solidarites association and the National Committee of Fishermen of Brittany and France, who are providing Ukrainian cities with anti-drone nets.

This was reported by TSN correspondent Iryna Kondrachuk.

At the meeting, Zelenskyy shared that he had visited southern Ukraine the previous day, where the nets are already saving lives.

«Today, I wanted to personally thank both those producing air defense systems and ordinary people showing incredible support. To you, the fishermen, who used your own funds to provide more than 200 km of nets for Ukrainian roads and set up safe logistical routes. This means a lot to us. We truly value it, ” the President of Ukraine said.

«You can’t imagine how many lives your support has already saved, ” he said.

The fishermen promised to continue supporting Ukraine, inspired by the exemplary courage of the Ukrainian people. In response, Zelenskyy presented the fishermen with presidential watches, while they gave him their signature vest.

Russia is moving into a new stage of hybrid attacks on Europe, aimed at disrupting aid to Ukraine. Zhorin noted that sabotage on transport networks, especially in Poland, is a predictable move after “recent drone incidents.”

Ukrainian Armed Forces Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Zhorin, commander of the Third Army Corps, stated this.

“Following the "drone incidents," Russia’s next move will be sabotage, mainly to disrupt aid to Ukraine. It’s a logical and fully expected action by Moscow, caused by the West’s feeble and timid position,” he said.

The military officer stressed that Russia is not prepared for a direct attack on Poland yet, focusing instead on sowing division and boosting anti-Ukrainian sentiment. Zhorin cautioned that this undermines the common interests of Poland, Ukraine, and Europe as a whole.

“Poland is one of the few countries that could realistically stand up to Russia. But instead of uniting with us, it falls for provocations that harm everyone,” he stressed.

Russia has already launched a hybrid war against Europe, and if it shifts to open aggression, it will do so without prior notice.

Military analyst and ex-SSU officer Ivan Stupak said this on Kyiv24 TV.

«For Russia, its current actions in Europe are already war. Asymmetric, nonlinear, hybrid — whatever you call it. And it’s happening right now, ” Stupak said.

According to him, Russia’s current strategy is based on the concept of stealthily drawing the opponent into conflict, described by Soviet military theorist Georgiy Isserson. His work is frequently cited by Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

«Isserson’s view was clear: wars aren’t declared — they’re launched, ” the analyst stressed.

Stupak stressed that while there’s no open fighting in the EU right now, Russia’s current actions are already a form of war using unconventional methods.

He highlighted German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’ remark that Europe could be living through its «final peaceful summer.»

«Whether it’s merely a turn of phrase is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Russia is up to something, ” Stupak added.