Spain Reaffirms Strong Support for Ukraine in Pursuit of Just Peace

In a significant display of solidarity, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reaffirm Spain's unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

International Summit in Kyiv

On February 24, 2025, Prime Minister Sánchez traveled to Kyiv to participate in the International Summit in Support of Ukraine, marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. During the summit, Sánchez announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine, valued at €1 billion for the year 2025. This commitment is part of the Bilateral Security and Defence Agreement signed between Spain and Ukraine in May 2024, which also includes provisions for humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace based on international law[1][3][4].

Commemoration and Condemnation

Before the summit, Sánchez joined other international leaders in a commemorative act at the Monument to the Fallen, paying tribute to the victims of the conflict. He reiterated Spain's condemnation of the war, emphasizing that the aggression by Putin's regime constitutes a systematic violation of basic human principles. Sánchez stressed that the war crimes committed cannot go unpunished and assured that Spain will continue to support Ukraine for as long as necessary[1].

Comprehensive Support

Spain's support for Ukraine is multifaceted. Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, Spain has provided €100 million for humanitarian actions, an additional €10 million recently announced, and €400 million in financial assistance for reconstruction. Spain has also delivered military equipment and trained nearly 7,000 Ukrainian military personnel under the EUAM mission[1].

Reconstruction and Integration

Sánchez emphasized Spain's commitment to working "side by side" with Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts. He encouraged Spanish companies to actively participate in these projects, aiming to create the necessary structures to promote the reconstruction process. Additionally, Spain and Ukraine will establish the 'Casa de Ucrania' in Torrevieja, Alicante, a center dedicated to supporting the various needs of the Ukrainian community in Spain[1][3][4].

Peace Negotiations and EU Accession

Sánchez welcomed efforts towards peace negotiations but insisted that any agreement must be fair, sustainable, and comprehensive. He stressed the need for Ukraine's active involvement and the participation of the European Union, ensuring that the agreement reinforces multilateral order and respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of Ukraine's early accession to the European Union, calling it the most significant victory for the Ukrainian people[1][2][4].

Solidarity with the Ukrainian Diaspora

As of December 31, 2024, nearly 315,000 Ukrainians were living in Spain. To support this community, the 'Casa de Ucrania' in Alicante will serve as a hub for addressing the various needs of the Ukrainian diaspora in Spain[4].

In his address, Sánchez reaffirmed Spain's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and its integration into the European Union, highlighting that "Ukraine's hope is in Europe, but Europe's hope is also in Ukraine." He praised the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people in defending freedom and democracy against the brutal aggression of Putin's regime, emphasizing that the ultimate victory will be the prevalence of freedom and democracy over violence and authoritarianism[1][4].