Felipe VI calls Russia's invasion of Ukraine "unacceptable aggression"

King Felipe VI has spoken out about the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. The monarch has openly rejected what he called "an unacceptable aggression against a sovereign and independent nation", in a country "that is on everyone's mind". 

He declared that Spain is "saddened and concerned" by this situation and assured that the Ukrainian people "are deeply in our hearts". He also stressed Spain's commitment to Ukraine, seeing this conflict "as a threat to Europe and to the world order". For this reason, he said, "we are working together with all our partners to support them and restore peace". Furthermore, he emphasised "respect for international law by all states without exception", at a time when Russia continues to launch offensives against Ukraine almost incessantly. 

He stressed that "after what we have seen and experienced in recent times, the last thing we would imagine is to be gathered here under the dark premonition of war in Eastern Europe. We are saddened and outraged".

These statements were made at the opening dinner of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the first mass event to be cancelled two years ago as a result of the pandemic. 

Felipe VI's words were echoed by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, who said that Spain "is responding with total forcefulness and humanitarian aid". He also stressed the importance of dialogue at a time when Europe has given "forceful responses" against Moscow, including humanitarian and military aid and sanctions that "will last until the Russian Federation returns to its borders" and which will have "a massive impact".

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Nadia Calviño, has also expressed her opinion on the matter, especially with regard to her ministerial portfolio. According to her, the conflict "will lead to an increase in energy prices", but she points out that Spain will not be so affected by this conflict. 

According to her statements in an interview with Cadena SER, Spain would be less exposed than other countries to economic fluctuations in the energy market. However, the minister defended the need for Europe to have "a common strategic reserve", as well as "a regulatory framework that decouples this evolution of international prices from the bill". 

She also pointed out that the attacks perpetrated by Russia have highlighted the need for "strategic autonomy", although she pointed out that Spain "is not directly dependent on Russian gas". 

As part of the EU's response to Russia's actions, the Union has moved away from its more peaceful policy to a series of measures that include sending military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

In this context, Spain has approved the shipment of 20 tonnes of medical material and personal protection equipment, including helmets and bullet-proof waistcoats. All this material will be transported in two A400M transport aircraft from Wing 31.