Sanchez reiterates his message of support for Ukraine and calls on Russia to withdraw from all territory

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

During his speech, Pedro Sánchez called on Russia to withdraw from all Ukrainian territory within its internationally recognised borders.

The President of the Government of Spain reaffirmed that "Spain reiterates its strongest condemnation of the unjustified aggressions, including the temporary occupation of the Crimean Peninsula, where its illegal actions constitute flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and human rights".

The Summit, which brought together 50 international leaders, adopted a Joint Declaration reiterating condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine and a commitment to "maintain pressure on Russia to end its temporary occupation of Crimea and restore Ukrainian control over the territory of the peninsula.

"We are extremely concerned about the Russian occupation of Ukrainian ports, which violates maritime laws and hinders freedom of traffic in the Black Sea, exacerbating food insecurity and threatening the lives of millions of people around the world," stressed Sánchez.

The Platform's activities focus on five areas: Consolidation of the non-recognition policy; proper implementation and strengthening of sanctions; regional security due to the impact of the militarisation of Crimea on the security of Eastern Europe, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, including freedom of navigation; violations of human rights and international humanitarian law; and mitigation of the negative economic and environmental impact of the occupation of Crimea.

Spain, a country committed to Ukraine

Spain's political, humanitarian and military support for Ukraine has been constant since the beginning of Russia's invasion. Spain has taken in more than 130,000 Ukrainians, delivered several tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, and committed more than 31 million euros. Spain also contributes 2.5 billion euros to the European Peace Fund.

On the future of Ukraine, Sanchez stressed that it is also necessary to support the reconstruction of the country. For this reason, during the Lugano Conference on Ukraine's Recovery in July, Spain announced a contribution of some 250 million euros channelled through the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The President concluded his speech by pointing to the key role of the International Crimean Platform in unifying international efforts to support the Ukrainian people and their "heroic defence" of the country, and stressed that, in a scenario of a long and protracted war, "unity among partners and allies will be key".

Non official translation