Ukraine Awards Cross of Merit to Spain’s Chief of the Defence Staff

• This recognition, together with the “Distinction of Honour for Assistance to the Army” awarded to 33 Spanish service members, has been granted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in recognition of Spain’s military support since the beginning of the Russian aggression

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CHOD), Admiral General Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, was today awarded the Ukrainian Cross of Merit by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Spain, Yuliia Sokolovska, during a ceremony held at the Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid.

This recognition, together with the “Distinction of Honour for Assistance to the Army” awarded to 33 Spanish service members, has been granted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces for the fruitful cooperation and interaction in the defence of Ukraine’s national interests and for Spain’s active assistance in its defence since the beginning of the Russian aggression more than four years ago.

In his address, the Chief of the Defence Staff extended this distinction to the entire Spanish Armed Forces, “as it represents recognition of the military support provided by Spain to Ukraine in its struggle against the illegitimate and unjustified Russian aggression.”

He also congratulated the Spanish service members who were likewise decorated “for their exceptional work and dedication in training Ukrainian personnel within the framework of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine.”

Admiral General López Calderón recalled that “our Armed Forces committed from the very beginning to supporting Ukraine in its legitimate defence and in its struggle for freedom, sovereignty and democratic values. This decoration symbolises the bond of solidarity, commitment and cooperation that unites our two nations, which share respect for human rights, justice and peace.”

Spain plays a prominent role in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), in which 24 EU Member States also participate. Spain has provided both equipment and training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Regarding the training courses, which have expanded in scope and are delivered in different military units across the national territory, more than 8,500 Ukrainian service members have been trained to date, representing around 10 percent of all personnel trained within this European mission.