Spain says Russian actions are threat to EU security, values

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday said that Russia’s actions in Ukraine is a threat to Europe, and warned of more EU sanctions if Russia does not leave the country.

“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin wanted to divide the EU, but what he found was an EU that was firm and decisive in its response. That’s because it’s not only the sovereignty of Ukraine that’s in question but also European security,” he said in an interview with Spain’s public broadcaster TVE.

Sanchez said Spain will not directly send weapons to Ukraine, adding his government will push for tougher sanctions on Russia such as restrictions in EU waters.

Spain will also offer Ukrainian refugees visas that will allow them “live and work legally” in Spain, he announced.

As for whether the EU will accept Ukraine’s urgent membership request, the prime minister said the country would still have to go through a “long process.”

However, he added that Ukraine has proven its European values since the war broke out.

Sanchez said that the EU nations are more united than ever, and hopes nations will continue to form common policies around foreign policy, strategic autonomy and migration.