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Date Published: 06/10/2023

Zelenskiy arrives in Spain for European Community Political Summit

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This is the Ukrainian president’s first trip to Spain since the start of the war

Zelenskiy arrives in Spain for European Community Political Summit

More than a year and a half has passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy set foot on Spanish soil for the first time since then on Thursday October 5.

His trip was in doubt until the last minute due to security concerns but he announced his arrival in Granada on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "Our joint objective is to guarantee the security and stability of our common European home."

Bringing together almost 50 European countries, the Community Political Summit is an informal meeting to discuss common goals and issues. Of course, the contentious topic of EU enlargement and Ukraine’s own accession to the bloc are expected to feature high on the agenda.

Zelenskiy’s first port of call though was a meeting with acting President Pedro Sánchez, who showcased his support for Kyiv by promising to deliver de-mining systems along with six Hawk missile launchers on top of the four donated to the cause previously.

This show of Spanish solidarity comes at a crucial moment for Zelenskiy, since US domestic policies now threaten the flow of aid to the war-torn country.

On the other hand, while Sánchez reassured the Ukrainian president that Spain is working towards his country’s accession to the EU, he reminded Zelenskiy that it’s vital he complies "with what is contemplated in the Treaties."

Also present at the meeting was European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who reiterated that Europe "has the obligation" to continue supporting Ukraine.

"A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council has launched an attack against a peaceful neighbour, and that aggression has already lasted 588 days. It is our obligation to help Ukraine prevail," she added.

On Friday October 6, the leaders are expected to release a joint statement about the EU’s enlargement goals ahead of formal negotiations with Ukraine, with a decision on its membership in the bloc likely before the end of the year.

In other news: Spain wins bid to host 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco

Image: La Moncloa

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