Ukraine. The Spanish Prime Minister visits Kiev on the first day of Spain’s presidency of the European Union

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on Saturday. “I wanted to conduct the first action of the Spanish EU Presidency in Kiev with President Zelensky,” the prime minister wrote on Twitter on Saturday morning. Spain now holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union for a period of six months.

Sanchez also tweeted that he would affirm European solidarity with Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia during his visit. “We will continue our support for the Ukrainian people until peace returns to Europe,” said the prime minister, who posted pictures of his arrival in Kiev. Among other things, he will interview Zelensky, who described the visit on social media as “important” and “very symbolic”.

The Spanish Prime Minister also spoke before Parliament. He promised €55 million in additional Spanish financial aid to Ukraine. He said the funds are aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises. In addition, he stressed that European support has not diminished either: the EU will continue to assist Kiev “as long as necessary” and “regardless of the cost” to repel the Russian offensive.

Sanchez noted that the European Union was created as a peace project to avoid new conflicts after World War II and that the union is open to anyone who wants it. Ukraine’s accession will be “one of the priorities” of the Spanish presidency.

In a joint press conference with Zelensky later that same day, the Spanish prime minister also promised that the last four Leopard tanks out of the 10 Spain had promised would be delivered “soon”. In addition, his country is also sending a mobile field hospital to Ukraine, he said.