Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived in the Ukrainian capital Kiev on Saturday. “I wanted the first act of the Spanish EU presidency to take place in Kiev, together with President Zelensky,” the prime minister wrote on Twitter on Saturday morning. Spain has now held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months.
Sánchez also tweeted that he will emphasize European solidarity with Russia-invaded Ukraine during his visit. “We will continue our support to the Ukrainian people until peace returns to Europe,” said the prime minister, who also shared images of his arrival in Kiev. Among other things, he will have an interview with Zelensky, who called the visit on social media “important” and “extremely symbolic”.
The Spanish Prime Minister also addressed parliament. He promised 55 million euros in additional Spanish financial aid to Ukraine. The money is intended to support SMEs, he said. In addition, he emphasized that European support is also undiminished: the EU will continue to help Kiev “for as long as necessary” and “regardless of the price” to repel the Russian attack.
Sánchez recalled that the EU was created as a peace project to avoid new conflicts after the Second World War and that the union is open to anyone who wants it. Ukrainian accession will be “one of the priorities” of the Spanish presidency.
At a joint press conference with Zelensky later in the day, the Spanish Prime Minister also promised that the last four of the 10 Leopard tanks Spain has promised will be delivered “soon”. In addition, his country is also sending a mobile field hospital to Ukraine, he said.
