The Russian Federation maintains six honorary consulates across Spain. Among the notable figures is a prominent businessman who has been active in promoting Russian interests in Spain. He helped establish an office in Vigo in June 2021 and has worked alongside other Spanish nationals who advocate for Russian relations in the Canary Islands (Gonzalo Parada Santana), Andalusia (Esther Morell Garcia), Castile and Leon (Pedro Jose Ballve Lantero, former president of Campofrío), the Community of Valencia (Ramon Congost Valleys), and the Balearic Islands (Sebastia Roig Montserrat).
Since February, in response to the Ukraine conflict, the Russian embassy in Madrid has advised refraining from public statements about the war and focusing on serving Russian citizens in Spain as well as promoting economic and cultural ties. Diplomatic sources in Madrid explained that these individuals are not civil servants, are not paid, and operate as self-sufficient actors with a focus on promoving Russia rather than political activities.
Pedro Mourin
The businessperson in question has explained that he has served as the honorary consul of Russia in Galicia since 2020, with offices opened in June 2021 in Vigo. He leads an investment firm, IberianAtlantic, which concentrates on assisting Russian citizens in Galicia and advancing Russia’s economic and cultural presence. In the past year, he pursued a potential collaboration between the Russian Direct Investment Fund and a pharmaceutical company based in O Porriño (Pontevedra) to market and produce Sputnik in Spain. Interactions with Madrid were noted, but the initiative confronted regulatory hurdles from European authorities.
Affiliated with the PP, he previously held leadership roles in the party’s student wing and has described himself as a close friend of Pablo Casado, a former PP president. He has appeared as a commentator on Russia Today, the state broadcaster, and participated as an international observer during events in Crimea in 2014 and elections in Ukraine. In recent months, he has acknowledged receiving threats.
His name appeared in media discussions connected to the Pandora Papers regarding a villa purchase in Belize. He maintains that his advisory work serves only a single client and offers a critical perspective on Vladimir Putin’s leadership, saying that some regions display stagnation and comparing the regime to Western political cycles, while criticizing Western economic models.
Sebastian Roig
In the Balearic Islands, the honorary consul of Russia has historically directed internal affairs for the autonomous government and led a local NGO named Monday Babies, which facilitated the transport of children from Russian orphanages to the islands for holidays. This work earned recognition from Putin in 2018 with an international friendship order for efforts to strengthen ties with Russia. Roig accompanied by a Russian adopted son and Paralympic sailing champion Sergi Roig participated in recent events.
Last April, the consul proposed to stay in position for the duration of the Ukraine war to ensure those associated with him are not left unattended. It is estimated that around 2,000 Russians are registered on the archipelago, with the consulate having operated since 2017. When queried about Ukraine, Roig indicated disappointment with Putin, describing the situation as disastrous rather than foolish.
Esther Morell
In Andalusia, the Russian Federation has been represented by a businesswoman since 2010, with offices in Seville, Malaga, and Marbella. Morell has long served as the honorary consul and spoke in Diario de Sevilla about her family’s ties to Russia, recalling early incentives from her father to seek positive coverage about Russia. She notes a family history of engagement with Russia and emphasizes ongoing collaboration with regional business networks to strengthen cultural and economic links.
gonzalo parada
The Canary Islands host the Russian honorary consul with offices in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In recent months, Parada faced personal legal matters, and in March acknowledged awareness of the situation facing several Russian businessmen on the islands after the Ukraine conflict. He stressed that his role is not linked to the Russian government and functions largely as a civil organization, helping with transactions for residents from various nationalities as needed.
Demographic estimates show that thousands of Russians are connected to the Canary Islands, with official statistics listing several thousand residents across the archipelago and many more linked to the region through the honorary consulate network. The broader Russian presence in the archipelago is a subject of ongoing public interest and policy discussion.
Pedro Jose Ballve
According to the lists maintained by the Russian Embassy and the foreign ministry, another honorary consul resides in Turkey and Burgundy: Pedro Ballvé, former president of Campofrío. Ballvé began his career selling dog food from home in La Moraleja in 1952, with his family later expanding Campofrío into a multinational brand. The broader connection to Russia is thought to be tied to the company’s international growth across numerous countries, including Russia, and the role of the honorary consul in facilitating cross-border business relationships.
Ramon Congost
In Valencia, the Russian consul is a real estate investor who previously led the Technological Construction Institute, part of a network of regional technology and innovation organizations. Congost explained that his ties to Russia developed after travel to the country and through professional collaborations in research and development. Although his mandate took three years to formalize, he regards the role as a means to enhance cultural exchange and business contacts. He notes that the position is rewarding and not controversial, choosing to avoid discussions about the Ukraine conflict.