The Diplomat
The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, yesterday assured that Spain will be with Ukraine “for as long as necessary”, just two years after the Russian invasion.
During the opening of the Socialist International meeting held yesterday in Ferraz, the PSOE’s headquarters, Sánchez insisted that the international community “cannot abandon Ukraine to its fate”.
The leader of the Socialists wrote a message on social networks, in which he called for “an end to Russian aggression” and a firm attitude towards the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.
“We must maintain a firm stance towards Putin. We demand an end to Russian aggression and respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Spain will be with Ukraine for as long as necessary”, he wrote.
After recalling that 24 February marked two years since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he denounced the deaths and consequences not only for that country, but for the entire planet.
“Thousands of lives have been sacrificed in an imperialist reverie that not only devastates a country, but also affects stability and world peace,” the president remarked.
Shortly after this message on social networks, Sánchez spoke at the Socialist International, where he called for Ukraine not to be abandoned “to its fate”.
“In the name of international law, and also of reason”, Sánchez demanded an end to Russian aggression and respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the “free country” that is Ukraine.
In fact, the Socialist International, as Sánchez recalled, was born almost at the same time as the United Nations system was being forged, and once a year the Presidium is held to coincide with the Annual Assembly of the United Nations.
At the same time, the president called “out of coherence” for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Gaza and the recognition of the two states, reports Europa Press.
According to Sánchez, “Israel, of course, has the right to defend itself against a criminal attack like the one perpetrated by Hamas…. But that does not justify the killing of innocent civilians, it does not justify the destruction of cities, it does not justify cornering millions of human beings in anguish and despair, it does not justify violating international humanitarian law”.
He therefore urged the European Commission to review the EU’s association agreement with Israel for possible violations of international law.
“Israel must stop its offensive on Gaza. It must allow humanitarian aid to arrive. It must cease hostilities,” he told those present at the Socialist International.
Tribute by the Minister of Defence
The Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, yesterday presided over a tribute to the fallen Ukrainian civilian and military personnel at the Infantry Academy (Toledo), on the occasion of the second anniversary of the start of the war.
Margarita Robles was accompanied, among other personalities, by the Ukrainian ambassador to Spain, Serhii Pohoreltsev, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón.
Addressing the Ukrainians, Robles said: “Your cause is the cause of peace and freedom, it is the cause of all Spaniards. Your efforts in this cruel war will be thanked by your children. Your wounded and your casualties are also the casualties of all of us who believe in freedom. Spain,” he added, “defends your cause. Let no one forget that Putin is a threat, not only to Ukraine, but to any other country.
For his part, the Ukrainian ambassador, who thanked the Spanish government for its support, said: “We are here to honour the Ukrainians who have given their lives to defend the freedom and territorial integrity of Ukraine. I would like to emphasise and thank the Spanish people for the support we are receiving”. He added: “It is very important for us to feel and have the moral and military support of European countries. We are going to win, but it will be thanks to their support”.
In total, some 4,000 Ukrainian military and civilian personnel have been trained in 93 courses given by the army (79), the marines (11), the air and space forces (2) and the Guardia Civil (1).
