Conflicts & War

Spain’s PM vows full support for Ukraine in 2nd visit to war-hit nation

(Update 1: Adds detail)

Kyiv, Feb 23 (EFE).- Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez pledged the country’s support for Ukraine for as “long as is necessary” in the face of Russia’s invasion during what was his second trip to the country since the outbreak of war.

Sánchez spoke with Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the eve of the first anniversary of Russia’s full-blown invasion of its smaller neighbor.

“I’m very glad to be in Kyiv almost a year after my first trip in April 2022, and a few hours away from the first anniversary of the beginning of the war,” he told a joint press conference in Kyiv.

Confirming the Spanish government’s plans to send six 2A4 Leopard tanks to Ukraine, Sánchez reiterated his country’s “full support” in the face of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s “illegal and unjustified” war.

“We will continue to support you for as long as is necessary. Ukraine will prevail,” he added.

He added that Spain could send a further four tanks — to make a total of 10 — to Ukraine in the coming weeks and months in conjunction with other European nations supplying Kyiv with the battle vehicles.

He added that Madrid would “study” the provision of fighter jets in the future in response to repeated calls from Kyiv that its Western allies have so far held back on.

Zelenskyy thanked Sánchez for Spain’s continued and growing support for Ukraine.

Sánchez’s latest trip to Ukraine follows soon after visits made by United States president Joe Biden and Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni.

As well as meeting Zelenskyy, Sánchez is due to address Ukraine’s parliament. EFE

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