Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III called Spanish Minister of Defense Margarita Robles to affirm the strong bilateral defense relationship and to coordinate the pressing need for security assistance to Ukraine – including air defense systems. Spain is a stalwart NATO Ally that hosts permanent U.S. forces, contributes to NATO deterrence and defense efforts, and provides much needed humanitarian and security assistance to Ukraine. The leaders expressed their continued solidarity with the Ukrainian people as they resist Russian aggression and defend their democracy. Secretary Austin praised Spain's focus on securing NATO's Southern Flank and underscored the importance of stability in the Sahel and West Africa. The two leaders agreed to continue close coordination on these and other important issues.