KYIV: Ukrainian officials on Saturday reported more civilian casualties from shelling by Russia in the country’s east and south areas, even as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez began a visit to Kyiv.
The Spanish PM’s visit is being regarded as a show of continued support from Madrid and the European Union for Ukraine’s fighting back Russian forces to dislodge the invading army.
Sánchez received several standing ovations during an address to Ukraine’s parliament that sought to deliver the message that Spain and the EU will be with Ukraine for as long as required.
The speech was delivered on the day Spain assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the 27-nation EU. “I am here to express the firm determination of the European (Union) and Europe against the illegal and unjustified Russian aggression to Ukraine,” he said.
At a joint news conference by Sanchez and President Volodymyr Zelensky later, Sanchez announced that Spain would deliver more heavy weaponry to Ukraine, including four Leopard tanks and armored personnel carriers, as well as a portable field hospital. He also expressed Spain’s commitment to provide an additional 55 million Euros to help with reconstruction needs of the war- devastated country.
In other areas in Ukraine, regional officials reported the killing of at least three civilians and 17 injured by Russian shelling on Friday and overnight on the front-lines in the eastern Donetsk region, even as fierce battles continued to rage, Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that fierce clashes continued in three areas in Donetsk where it said Russia has amassed its troops and attempted to advance. It named the outskirts of three cities of Bakhmut, Lyman and Marinka as front-line hot spots.
While referring to possible peace talks, Sanchez said that only Ukraine can set the terms and times for peace negotiations. The proposed peace plans by other countries and regions is being appreciated but these cannot be accepted entirely, he added.
“This is a war of aggression, with an aggressor and a victim. They cannot be treated equally and ignoring the rules should in no way be rewarded. That is why that is why we support President Zelensky’s peace formula,” Sánchez added.
Speaking in his turn at the news conference, Zelensky vented his frustration over the lack of clarity regarding Western training for Ukrainian fighter pilots. He said, despite their expressions of readiness, Western allies are yet to set a timetable to train pilots on US-made F-16s. He emphasized that the introduction of F-16s to the war is expected to give Ukraine a much- needed edge over Russia, which currently has air superiority.
He also reiterated Ukraine’s claim about Russia preparing to cause a potential nuclear catastrophe at the Moscow-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, even as Ukraine continued to make steady advances along the front line.
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