Spanish premier launches EU presidency with Ukraine visit

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Hours after Spain took over the EU's rotating presidency, the country's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in Ukraine on Saturday in a show of the bloc's support for Kyiv.

"Already in Kyiv. I wanted the first act of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU to be in Ukraine together with (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelenskyy," Sanchez said on Twitter.

"We will maintain our support for the Ukrainian people until peace returns to Europe," he added.

During his speech in the Ukrainian capital, Sanchez wished Kyiv success in its counter-offensive to retake areas captured by Russia since the beginning of the war on Feb. 24.

Voicing hope that this would lead to "a just and lasting peace," he pledged that "Europe and Spain will remain by your side for as long as necessary."

Spain assumed the presidency on Saturday for a six-month term.