Zelensky Makes Surprise Visit to Madrid for Ibero-American Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unexpectedly arrived in Madrid on Thursday for the 30th Ibero-American Summit, where he is scheduled to meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on the forum's final day. This marks his fifth visit to Spain. The summit gathers leaders from 22 Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking nations, with ten heads of state attending in person, though Brazil's and Mexico's presidents are absent. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares rejected claims the forum has lost relevance, noting all regional states are represented. The meeting occurs amid diplomatic tensions, including Argentine President Javier Milei boycotting the opening ceremony after previously calling Sanchez an "unacceptable dictator." King Felipe VI opened the forum urging political unity and stronger EU ties, while the summit began with a minute of silence for 69 victims of a rail disaster in Urdaz.