Margarita Robles during her visit to the "Rey Alfonso XIII" II Brigade of the Legion at the Álvarez de Sotomayor Base in Viator, Almería
More than three thousand troops make up the 'Rey Alfonso XIII' II Brigade of the Legion, which received a visit from the Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles. Accompanied by Army General Amador Enseñat, Chief of Staff of the Spanish Army, the minister reiterated Spain's support for the Ukrainian cause: "It is the cause of all countries that believe in freedom and peace".
We feel humanly very close to them," she added, "because we know that they are fighting for a just cause and we want them to feel at home whenever they come to Spain.
Margarita Robles pointed out that it is "an honour" that more than 7,000 Ukrainian fighters have been trained among the Spanish military: "The Spanish army and the Spanish legion are an exceptional military, among the best in the world, and they will equip them with all the knowledge they have. But, at the same time, they have told me that they are also gaining a lot of knowledge from them.
"We hope that this year will be the end of the war and the triumph of Ukraine," concluded Robles.
The tour of the facilities at the 'Álvarez de Sotomayor' Base in Viator, Almería, included two exercises in two different locations. The first consisted of an attack on a defensive position, while the second simulated an advance through a built-up area.
The eighth module of the EU Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), which provides combat training in built-up areas to Ukrainian military personnel, is currently coming to an end.
The minister, who was received by Brigadier General José Agustín Carreras Postigo, head of the 'Rey Alfonso XIII' Brigade, and by local authorities, was interested in the technological aspect of operations, which plays a decisive role in shaping conflicts.
In her meeting with the members of the BRILEG, the minister also referred to the work they are doing in Valencia: "I have been there, on the ground, many times, and I have seen how the legionnaires are committed, helping citizens in very complicated, very hard tasks, sometimes putting their lives at risk, and always doing it the way you know how.
High readiness in a protected environment
The 'Rey Alfonso XIII' Brigade has units capable of dealing with the most fast-changing situations, whether confronting conventional, hybrid or asymmetric enemies, or participating in all types of operations, from supporting civilian authorities in peacetime, to generalised high-intensity combat.
Current activities include training of Ukrainian military personnel, deployment in Operation Floods Valencia 2024 (DANA) and participation in Exercise Steadfast Dart 25.
Its manoeuvring and firing range has been ISO-certified in its Environmental Management System since 2007 and, thanks to the high degree of conservation of its natural spaces, the base is included in the Natura 2000 Network as a Site of Community Importance or Special Protection Area for Birds.
Non official translation
