Spain supports strengthening of Ukraine's political participation in NATO - Sanchez

Spain supports the strengthening of Ukraine's political participation in the North Atlantic Alliance through the creation of a NATO-Ukraine Council and practical cooperation in the defense sector.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said this in his speech in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We are approaching the NATO summit in Vilnius, which will be a continuation of the commitments we made last year in Madrid. Spain supports the strengthening of Ukraine's political participation through the creation of a NATO-Ukraine Council, where Ukraine will no longer be an invited party, but a full member. We are also in favor of strengthening practical cooperation, continuing the adaptation of your defense sector to NATO standards," Sanchez said.

He added these are "big steps forward" that will be further discussed during the upcoming NATO summit.

"Spain will also continue to make its own contribution. We are supplying additional Leopard tanks, armored personnel carriers and a field hospital with the possibility of conducting surgical operations," Sanchez said.

Sanchez arrived in Ukraine on July 1, the first day of his country's presidency of the Council of the European Union.