Ukrainian leader thanks Spanish prime minister for ‘strong support’ in war against Russia

Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that he spoke with Spain’s prime minister via telephone and explained the situation on the ground.

He also thanked Spain for “the provision of strong support.”

Pedro Sanchez tweeted that he conveyed that Spain and the EU will continue to support Ukraine during “these difficult times.”

Spain has been an early supporter of all EU sanctions on Russia for its attacks on Ukraine.

Despite fierce division in the country’s coalition government concerning the issue, Spain has also sent Ukraine weapons like grenade launchers, ammunition, and machine guns.

Ten days ago, Spain’s transport minister said Spain is pushing for even stronger sanctions against Russia, including closing EU ports and waters to all Russian-owned and operated ships.

Spain’s ports are home to several luxury Russian yachts. Late Tuesday, however, a $600 million yacht owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich left from a Barcelona port and continues to travel east across the Mediterranean.

Although Zelenskyy thanked Sanchez for Spain’s support, he has repeatedly criticized leaders for not doing more to stop Russian attacks.

After tweeting about his conversation with Sanchez, Zelenskyy’s next post showed scenes of the aftermath of what Ukrainian officials said was a Russian strike on a maternity hospital in Mariupol.

“How much longer will the world be an accomplice ignoring terror? Close the sky right now! Stop the killings! You have the power but you seem to be losing humanity,” he wrote.