Ukraine at the centre of Spanish EU presidency
Sanchez - Zelensky - Photo © Moncloa-Borja Puig de la Bellacasa
(KYIV) - "Ukraine will be at the centre of all our debates", Spain's president Pedro Sanchez said at a meeting with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on 1 July, when Spain took over the presidency of the EU Council.
His visit and its timing sent a strong message of support to Ukraine from both the EU and Spain. "The European Union's position has been very clear from the outset," he said: "All Member States condemn the Russian aggression, and the European Union has put all its assistance mechanisms in place."
Spain's six-month stint in the presidency, which it took over from Sweden, will last until 31 December.
The Spanish president underlined Spain's own support for Ukraine, taking in over 175,000 Ukrainians displaced by the war and that it will do so "for as long as is needed", until there is "just peace" in Ukraine that allows them to safely return to their country.
At the meeting, Presidents Sanchez and Zelensky signed a joint statement reiterating their "unequivocal condemnation" of the Russian aggression, which "undermines the international order and the United Nations Charter".
In the declaration, Spain reaffirms "its solid commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders", and supports Ukraine's initiative "for just and sustainable peace".
Mr Sanchez reflected the results of the European Council summit on 29-30 June, when the EU reiterated its condemnation of Russia's war of aggression and unwavering unity on Ukraine - contrasting with Russia's divisions and fragility.
The EU and its member states, which have provided over EUR 77 billion to Ukraine, promised continue to strongly support Ukraine's economy, society, armed forces and future reconstruction. The EU will also provide flexible financial assistance to reinforce support for displaced persons in Ukraine and in the EU.
The European Council said the EU is ready to provide sustainable military support to Ukraine for as long as it takes, particularly through its dedicated military assistance mission to Ukraine and the European Peace Facility, an off-budget fund to prevent conflicts and build peace.
The EU leaders underlined the importance of continuing efforts to help meet Ukraine's pressing military and defence needs, while also taking into account member states' security and defence policies. The EU and its member states stand ready to contribute to future security commitments to ensure long-term stability in Ukraine.
Firmly committed to the repair, recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, EU leaders underlined the need to ensure stable, predictable and sustainable financial support in the years to come.
The EU leaders also underlined their firm committment to ensuring that Russia is held fully accountable for its war. In this regard, they welcomed progress in setting up the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine (ICPA).
European Council conclusions, 29-30 June 2023
European Council conclusions on Ukraine and security and defence, 29 June 2023