Sánchez promises Zelensky more anti-aircraft systems and demining equipment to help Ukraine in the counteroffensive

“Spain will continue to support Ukrainian capabilities to defend its cities, energy infrastructure and ports”. That is the message that Pedro Sánchez sent to Volodimir Zelenski in their bilateral meeting before the start of the summit of the European Political Community in Granada. Thus, the acting president of the Government has promised his Ukrainian counterpart more anti-aircraft weapons, anti-drone systems and demining equipment, with the idea that Kiev can continue to defend itself from the Russian invasion, especially during the next winter.

The meeting, held before the official start of the summit, lasted about 20 minutes and was “very cordial”, as explained by sources from Moncloa, who also clarified that part of the meeting took place in the presence of the teams of each party.

“We will focus on European unity, the security and stability of Europe, our defense and the strengthening of Ukrainian warriors,” Zelensky himself summarized after the conversation with Sánchez. In it they also addressed the process of Ukraine's accession to the EU. kyiv in fact hopes that there will be progress before the end of the Spanish presidency of the Council and for now the first step in this regard could be the opening of negotiations.

The sources consulted reiterated that Spain “supports” Ukraine's path towards the Union, but upon his arrival in Granada, Sánchez himself pointed out that first the country has to comply with the reforms and demands contemplated in the Treaties. “We are preparing to open accession talks during the Spanish presidency of the EU. “I thank Spain for supporting us in our aspirations,” Zelensky said on this matter.

“We are working together with partners to improve the European security architecture, in particular regional security. Ukraine has substantial proposals in this regard,” he continued, showing that his country comes with demands but also with a constructive position.. In fact, how the future of Europe is going to be built is the key topic of the meeting, which brings together almost fifty European leaders. “We will pay special attention to the Black Sea region, as well as our joint efforts to strengthen global food security and freedom of navigation,” concluded the Ukrainian president.