Zelensky, Sanchez discuss Ukraine's integration into EU, NATO, Peace Formula

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have discussed Ukraine's accession to the EU, preparations for the NATO summit, security guarantees, the Ukrainian Peace Formula, and increased sanctions pressure on Russia.

Zelensky said this at a joint press conference with Sanchez in Kyiv on Saturday, July 1, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"The Spanish prime minister's visit to Ukraine on the very first day of Spain's presidency of the Council of the EU is important and very symbolic. This clearly speaks of the actual reality in Europe, when our common European home cannot be imagined without us, without Ukraine. This speaks of Spain's priorities in protecting freedom," Zelensky said.

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According to him, among the issues discussed with the Spanish prime minister was protection against Russia's genocidal aggression.

Zelensky thanked Spain for the assistance provided to Ukraine, particularly security assistance, as well as for providing shelter to more than 180,000 Ukrainians and supporting EU sanctions against Russia.

"I am grateful to Spain for the decision to refuse to issue visas to Russian and Belarusian athletes for the European Wrestling Championships, currently being held in Spain," he added.

He also noted that both parties had discussed Ukraine's membership in the EU and the beginning of such negotiations, preparations for the NATO summit in Vilnius, and the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

Zelensky invited Spain to join the list of countries ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and start a relevant discussion.

"Ukraine getting closer to joining the European Union is a very motivating factor for our defenders, because it convinces them that Europe sees at what cost our people are defending absolutely the same values that have already been defended for every country in the EU," he said.

Sanchez is visiting Ukraine on July 1. He has already delivered a speech in the Verkhovna Rada and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine