Spain Condemns Russia´s “Unjustified Aggression” Against Ukraine
The Spanish Government has issued a strongly worded communique condeming the Russian attack on Ukraine, which began this morning, Thursday 24th February.
The communique reads: ” The Government of Spain strongly condemns the military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. It is a completely unjustified aggression, of unprecedented gravity, and a flagrant violation of international law that puts global security and stability at risk.
The National Security Council will meet today at the Zarzuela Palace at 12 pm, chaired by H.M. the King.
We demand an immediate cessation of hostilities before the number of casualties multiplies, as well as the return of troops to the internationally recognised territory of the Russian Federation.
In these difficult hours, we would also like to reiterate our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and to show our full support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
We are coordinating with European Union partners and NATO allies for a response tailored to the gravity of the Russian Federation’s illegal action. The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, will attend the extraordinary European Council meeting called as a matter of urgency to establish the EU’s response to this intolerable military invasion“.
The Russian Embassy in Madrid released a statement saying that it´s ambassador to Spain, Yuri Korchagin, had been summoned to the Spanish Foreign Ministry.
The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, tweeted his government´s support for Ukraine and shared footage of the full cabinet´s meeting today at the Zarzuela Palace to discuss Spain´s response to the attack.
El PG, @sanchezcastejon, participa esta mañana en la reunión del Consejo de Seguridad Nacional presidida por S.M. el Rey en Zarzuela.
A partir de las 13:30h realizará una declaración institucional desde La Moncloa.
En directo en nuestras redes y web⤵️https://t.co/aHnOq7nuHK pic.twitter.com/dHWOq1Fmpr
— La Moncloa (@desdelamoncloa) February 24, 2022
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, also took to Twitter to say that he has spoken to his Spanish counterpart and that ” Spain supports EU sanctions against Russia and prepares additional practical support for Ukraine.”
The Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, announced today that Madrid would make 80 provisional places available for Ukrainian refugees seeking emergency accommodation and food in the capital.
Spain is likely to support EU and NATO economic sanctions against Russia as well as other measures to enhance European security in the region.
It currently has a small naval and air contigent in eastern Europe as well as personnel deployed in the Baltic states as part of NATO´s defences.
Madrid is due to host the next NATO Summit later on in the year.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPANISH NEWS
