<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, held his traditional Christmas videoconference this Wednesday, December 24, with Spanish units deployed on humanitarian and peacekeeping missions abroad. He highlighted the role of Spanish troops stationed in Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania “in demonstrating firmness and determination in the face of provocations from Putin’s Russia.”</strong></h4> During his address, in which he was accompanied by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, and the Chief of the Defense Staff, Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, the Prime Minister expressed the “deep gratitude” of the Spanish government and society for the work carried out by these military personnel: “You are the best version of Spain and a living example of the values of dedication and solidarity that define our country as an active and committed member of the international community.” “Once again, you have dedicated yourselves to the task of protecting Spain and have contributed with your work to peace and international security, which is so important today,” he continued. “More than 20,000 military personnel have participated in missions outside our borders in 2025, a figure that alone illustrates our country's commitment to peace and international security and to a rules-based multilateral order, a commitment for which 175 men and women have given their lives in these 36 years of missions abroad,” he stated. “At all times, but especially at this time of year, we keep them very much in our thoughts and pay a well-deserved tribute to their memory,” he affirmed. The war in Ukraine “continues to capture international attention after almost four years of an illegal and unjustified invasion and the continued suffering of its population,” he lamented. “The threats to Europe, unfortunately, continue unabated. That is why your presence in Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania is essential to demonstrate firmness and determination in the face of provocations from Putin’s Russia,” he stated. In the Middle East, Sánchez affirmed that “the situation remains unstable and critical, despite the ceasefire and the ongoing negotiations for the next phase of the peace plan,” and highlighted the “extraordinary work” of “our contingent in Lebanon.” “Your situation there remains complicated due to the continued violations of the agreement, which makes your mission even more necessary and makes it crucial that we keep you in mind within the framework of the United Nations,” he added. Within Spain’s borders, Pedro Sánchez emphasized their “selflessness” and “effectiveness” in “very difficult” situations, such as the “devastating wildfires last summer.” “Many of you will be spending Christmas Eve away from home. Therefore, there are no words that can ease the longing for home, nor shorten the distance that separates you from your families and loved ones during these days. But rest assured that the effort is worthwhile, that you have the gratitude of an entire country whose flag you carry with dignity and pride around the world,” she continued. The videoconference concluded with remarks from Margarita Robles, who also wished Spanish military personnel abroad a Merry Christmas: “You are all a source of pride. The work you are doing for peace, security, and in humanitarian missions is an example for us all.”
