Spanish Prime Minister Visits Kyiv to Show European Support as Russian Attacks in Ukraine Result in Casualties

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine witnessed more civilian casualties due to Russian shelling in the eastern and southern regions of the country. In a display of solidarity, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez embarked on a visit to Kyiv, emphasizing the unwavering support of Madrid and the European Union (EU) in Ukraine’s fight against the invading Russian forces.

Addressing the Ukrainian parliament, Sánchez received multiple standing ovations as he expressed Spain’s commitment, stating, “We will stand by your side for as long as it takes.” On the day that Spain assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the 27-nation EU, he asserted, “I am here to convey the resolute determination of the European Union and Europe as a whole to oppose the illegal and unjustified aggression by Russia against Ukraine.”

In a joint news conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Sanchez announced Spain’s decision to provide additional military assistance to Ukraine, including four Leopard tanks, armored personnel carriers, and a portable field hospital. Moreover, Spain pledged an extra 55 million euros to aid in the country’s reconstruction efforts.

Reports from regional authorities in Ukraine revealed that at least three civilians were killed, and 17 others sustained injuries due to Russian shelling. The deadliest attacks occurred in the front-line eastern Donetsk region, where intense battles persist. The Ukrainian General Staff identified Bakhmut, Lyman, and Marinka as the primary areas facing continuous confrontations with Russian troops.

In addition to the casualties in Donetsk, the Kherson region in the south reported five individuals, including a child, wounded in artillery, drone, mortar shell, and rocket attacks. The Kharkiv region in the northeast witnessed the injury of a 57-year-old civilian man due to Russian shelling, while a teenage boy was hurt in a strike originating from across the Russian border in the Sumy region.

Addressing the prospects of peace talks, Prime Minister Sanchez stressed that only Ukraine has the authority to determine the terms and timing of negotiations. While acknowledging the involvement of other countries and regions in proposing peace plans, he emphasized the need to differentiate between the aggressor and the victim. Sanchez expressed support for President Zelenskyy’s peace formula while rejecting any rewarding of rule violations.

During the news conference, President Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding Western training for Ukrainian fighter pilots. He criticized the delay in setting a timetable by Western allies for training on U.S.-made F-16s, despite their expressed willingness. Zelenskyy also reiterated Ukraine’s claim that Russia poses a threat to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, potentially leading to a nuclear catastrophe, as Ukraine continues to make progress along the front line.

The introduction of F-16s into the conflict could provide Ukraine with a much-needed advantage, as Russia currently maintains air superiority.

Contributed by Ciarán Giles, a writer for Big Big News based in Madrid.

Follow the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict at https://bigbignews.net/russia-ukraine

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More about Russian attacks in Ukraine

• Spanish Prime Minister’s Visit Highlights European Support for Ukraine
• Ongoing Conflict and Casualties in Ukraine
• Spain’s Pledge of Military Assistance and Aid to Ukraine
• Intense Battles and Front-Line Hotspots in Donetsk Region
• President Zelenskyy’s Concerns and Claims
• Importance of Introducing F-16s in the Conflict