Germany's Merz says Europe has found “self-respect,” calls for stronger NATO within continent
“For some weeks now, we have been seeing with increasing clarity the emergence of a world of great powers,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said ...
Kyiv, Ukraine, February 24, 2025 – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a new military aid package worth €1 billion (approximately $1.047 billion) for Ukraine during a summit in Kyiv marking the third anniversary of the war.
The package underscores Spain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense and furthering European security.
“We will continue supporting Ukraine as long as it takes. We will not let you down when you need us the most,” Sánchez declared at the summit. The aid package comes as part of Spain’s broader strategy to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities and is viewed as a significant gesture of solidarity amid ongoing conflict.
In his remarks, Sánchez also urged Ukraine to pursue closer ties with the European Union. “Whatever happens in the coming months, Ukraine’s accession to the EU would be the most important victory for the Ukrainian people,” he said, adding, “Ukraine’s hope is in Europe, but Europe’s hope is also in Ukraine. You are giving us hope by defending the values and ideals of freedom for which many Europeans gave their lives in the past.”
Sánchez stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to peace negotiations, emphasizing that any sustainable and just peace process must involve Ukraine at the negotiation table and active European participation. “For peace to be just, Ukraine must sit at the negotiation table. For peace to be sustainable, Europe has to participate in it. For peace to be comprehensive, it cannot be a mere ceasefire,” he explained.
In addition to the military aid, the Spanish premier announced plans to work closely with Ukraine on post-conflict reconstruction. As part of this effort, Spain will establish a “Ukraine hub” in the province of Alicante to support the Ukrainian diaspora. Government figures indicate that nearly 315,000 Ukrainians were residing in Spain as of December 31, 2024.
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