KYIV: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited Kyiv on Saturday, pledging the European Union’s unwavering support for Ukraine as Spain assumed the presidency of the bloc. While Spain’s EU presidency began, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration over delays in pilot training by some Western nations and the slow delivery of weapons to Ukraine amid its ongoing counteroffensive against Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine, which has been engaged in fierce battles against Russian forces for the past 16 months, launched a counteroffensive last month after weeks of anticipation. However, Zelensky and Ukrainian military commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny voiced their discontent with the sluggishness of weapons deliveries and the lack of clarity regarding pilot training.
Sanchez’s visit to Kyiv on the first day of Spain’s EU presidency underscored a firm political commitment to Ukraine’s aspirations to join the 27-nation bloc. The visit comes ahead of a crucial NATO summit in Vilnius later this month, which is expected to outline the future relationship between Ukraine and the Western military alliance.
Ukraine at Center of EU Presidency Debates
During a joint news conference, Sanchez stated that Ukraine would be at the center of the EU presidency’s debates and emphasized the positive assessment of Ukraine’s candidacy issued by the European Commission. The Spanish PM and Zelensky released a joint declaration affirming that Ukraine’s candidacy would be a priority for Spain’s EU presidency. The declaration also expressed Spain’s support for strengthening NATO’s partnership with Ukraine, including the establishment of a NATO-Ukraine Council.
Ukraine received EU candidacy status a year ago and aims to commence formal negotiations this year to solidify its membership bid. Additionally, Ukraine urged NATO to clarify its position on Ukraine’s membership. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Sanchez for his visit and support, considering it symbolic that the visit coincided with the beginning of Spain’s EU presidency.
Zelensky Questions Understanding of Ukraine’s Western Partners
However, Zelensky displayed frustration when asked about plans to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. He questioned the understanding of Western partners regarding the timeline for receiving the F-16s, criticizing the absence of a schedule for training missions. Zelensky expressed uncertainty as to why some partners were dragging their feet on this matter.
Zelensky’s frustration was echoed by Ukrainian military commander-in-chief Zaluzhny, who highlighted the limited progress of Ukraine’s counteroffensive due to insufficient firepower. Zaluzhny expressed disappointment over the slow delivery of promised weaponry from Western allies, emphasizing the urgent need for modern fighter jets and artillery ammunition.
Zaluzhny underlined the critical nature of swift decision-making, as daily casualties mount while awaiting necessary supplies. General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Pentagon Joint Chiefs, has been in constant communication with Zaluzhny and is aware of Ukraine’s requirements. However, Zaluzhny stressed that the decision-making process must expedite to prevent further loss of life.
General Milley assured that the United States and its allies are diligently working to provide assistance to Ukraine, including F-16s and precision missiles. While acknowledging some impatience with the pace of the counteroffensive, Milley emphasized that the nature of war entails certain challenges.
