Serhii Pohoreltsev
Ambassador of Ukraine in Spain
This week, Spain is hosting a high-level global summit: the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. Dozens of heads of state and government arrived in Seville, which became the epicenter of international debate to discuss the main challenges of global development. Among the main issues was Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has posed unprecedented challenges to the international security system and is an attack not only on Ukrainian sovereignty but also on the very idea of sustainable development.
In this context, the visit of the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, to Spain to participate in this conference not only strengthened bilateral ties between our countries, but also reaffirmed Ukraine’s active role as a partner committed to regional stability and the global architecture of sustainable development, even in times of war.
During his stay, the Prime Minister participated in the opening session of the conference and delivered a speech to the plenary outlining the main challenges facing Ukraine and the world as a result of Russian aggression. In addition, he was the keynote speaker at a thematic round table focusing on domestic resource mobilization for reconstruction.
The visit was marked by an intense diplomatic agenda. In Seville, Denys Shmyhal met with global leaders such as the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez; the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen; the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres; as well as heads of state, government and senior officials from Kenya, Angola, Andorra, the United Arab Emirates and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
At their meeting with Pedro Sánchez, the parties discussed strengthening defence cooperation, including the co-production of drones and military technologies, the prospects for reconstruction in Ukraine, the use of frozen Russian assets to finance such reconstruction, as well as the European integration process of Ukraine.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine expressed his deep appreciation to the Government of Spain for its leadership, unwavering solidarity and continued support. Since the beginning of the large-scale Russian invasion, the aid provided by Spain has already exceeded 2 billion euros. Spain’s contribution to the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defence system, which saves lives every day, is particularly significant.
Meetings with European, African and international leaders focused on strengthening international support for Ukraine’s recovery, expanding humanitarian and financial aid, and deepening cooperation in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, education, technology and food security. Special attention was given to ensuring sustainable funding for Ukraine in the coming years, to demining efforts, to the development of joint infrastructure and agriculture projects, as well as to promote initiatives aimed at the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in support of national reconstruction.
International partners expressed their solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. They also expressed their readiness to continue to participate actively in the global efforts for peace and sustainable development.
As part of the official programme of the visit, Denys Shmyhal also attended a reception hosted by Their Majesties the Kings of Spain, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, as well as the dinner organized by the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, where he thanked the strong support of the Spanish people in one of the most critical moments for Ukraine.
The participation of Ukraine in FFD4 reaffirmed, once again, that our country remains a reliable and committed partner for Spain and for the whole united Europe, and that the issues of reconstruction, security and European integration remain top priorities on the international agenda.
