KYIV, Ukraine (AFP) — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to demonstrate ongoing solidarity from Madrid and the European Union with Ukraine’s struggle against invading Russian forces, as reports of civilian casualties continue to emerge from Russian shelling in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine.
In a speech before Ukraine’s parliament, Sánchez received multiple standing ovations and expressed unwavering support, stating, “We’ll be with you as long as it takes.”
“On the day that Spain assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the 27-nation EU, I am here to convey the firm determination of the European Union and Europe against the illegal and unjustified Russian aggression towards Ukraine,” Sánchez added.
During a subsequent press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Sánchez announced Spain’s commitment to providing additional support to Ukraine, including four Leopard tanks, armored personnel carriers, and a portable field hospital. Moreover, Spain pledged an extra 55 million euros for reconstruction efforts.
In other regions of Ukraine, local officials reported three deaths and 17 injuries resulting from Russian shelling in the front-line eastern Donetsk region. Fierce clashes persisted in three areas, namely Bakhmut, Lyman, and Marinka, where Russian troops amassed and attempted to advance.
Additionally, the Kherson region in the south suffered five injuries, including a child, following 82 artillery, drone, mortar shell, and rocket attacks launched by Russian forces. The Sumy region to the west reported a teenage boy injured by a strike from across the Russian border, while in the northeastern Kharkiv region, a 57-year-old civilian man was wounded due to Russian shelling.
Regarding peace negotiations, Sánchez emphasized that only Ukraine possesses the authority to establish terms and timelines for such talks. While appreciative of other countries and regions proposing peace plans, Sánchez asserted that the aggressor and victim in this war of aggression cannot be treated equally, and rewarding a disregard for rules must be avoided. He voiced support for President Zelenskyy’s peace formula.
Zelenskyy expressed frustration during the press conference about the lack of clarity surrounding Western training for Ukrainian fighter pilots. Despite the readiness expressed by Western allies, no timetable has been set for training pilots on U.S.-made F-16s. Zelenskyy voiced bewilderment over potential delays, stating, “I think that some partners are delaying this process, why they do this I have no idea.”
Zelenskyy further reiterated Ukraine’s claim that Russia is willing to provoke a potential nuclear catastrophe at the Moscow-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, as Ukraine continues to make steady advances along the front line. He highlighted the need for clear communication with partners to ensure an understanding of Russia’s motives.
The introduction of F-16s into the conflict could provide Ukraine with a crucial advantage over Russia, which currently maintains air superiority.
