Spain has launched the biannual presidency of the Council of the European Union with a visit by Pedro Sánchez to Kyiv loaded with symbolism. Sánchez, who arrived in the Ukrainian capital by train after 8 a.m., wrote on his Twitter account: “I wanted the first act of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU to be in Ukraine, together with Volodimir Zelensk“.

Before meeting his Ukrainian counterpart, the head of the Government of Spain delivered a speech to the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine in which he announced a new aid of 55 million Euro dedicated to the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Sánchez, who has assured that “this is a Historic moment to start negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU”, has insisted that Ukraine is ready and “fully prepared” to start them. He has also shown his support for strengthening the country’s political participation in NATO. The Prime Minister has promised to support Ukraine “as long as it takes” and “no matter the price that have to be paid”, and has pointed out that only Ukraine can set “the terms and times of the peace negotiations“.

“Illegal and unjustified Russian aggression against Ukraine”

When referring to the “illegal and unjustified Russian aggression on Ukraine“, Sánchez has shown his gratitude to the countries and regions that are proposing a “just and lasting peace“, although he has stressed that these proposals cannot be accepted because it is a “war of aggression, with a offender and a victim”. “Russia and Ukraine cannot be treated equally”, he stated, stressing his support for the “peace formula” from Zelensky.

“Today, Ukraine is in full counteroffensive against Russia, an enemy that is showing signs of weakness”, pointed out Sánchez, referring to the rebellion led last weekend by the wagner group against Russian President Vladimir Putin. For the president of Spain, these facts “speak for themselves.” “If a side shows weakness it is because in front of it there is someone who shows determination“, has reflected on the matter, to applaud the”determination, strength and courage” from Ukraine.

Pedro Sánchez, who has insisted that Spain “cries” with the Ukrainians, has asked not to forget that “the European aspiration” of the people of Ukraine has been one of the “excuses” for the russian invasionan aspect in which he added that it was “fair” to grant the status of the country to EU candidate. “No one deserves it more than you,” she asserted.

After his speech before Parliament, Sánchez and Zelenski have signed a joint declaration that includes these issues. Ukraine hopes to obtain at the NATO summit, which will be held on July 11 and 12 in Vilnius, Lithuania, guarantees that it will be admitted as full member of the Alliance after the war is over. Zelensky insisted again today that no alternative to full membership will satisfy Ukraine.

The president of the Spanish government it has also pledged to deliver more military hardware to Kyiv. “We will send new heavy military equipment very soon: four Leopard tanks more and armored transport vehicles”, said Sánchez during his joint press conference with Zelenski. Spain will also donate to Ukraine a portable field hospitaland will extend the training program in Zaragoza for Ukrainian specialists in the use of prostheses for the war disabled.

During his stay in kyiv this Saturday, Sánchez also visited a military hospital. Ten doctors from that center are being trained in Spain in the use of the field hospital that Madrid will send to Ukraine.