The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has called Felipe VI and the leader of the PP, Pablo Casado, this Saturday to inform them of the latest developments in the international crisis
The situation in Ukraine is aggravated by the latest maneuvers by the Russian army in Belarus and this Saturday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement in which it recommends that Spanish citizens residing in the country “seriously consider leaving it through the commercial means available”. , as long as the current circumstances persist. In addition, citizens who intend to travel to the country are warned to desist from the intention, as has been decided within the framework of the meeting of ambassadors of the European Union in Kiev.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, estimated on January 25, during his appearance in Congress to report on the crisis, that there were 534 Spanish citizens currently residing in Ukraine. Most of them, 440, reside in the capital, Kiev; another 54 are in border regions and 11 of them in areas not controlled by the Ukrainian government. At that time he assured that no evacuation operation was planned “at the national level or at the European level.” But the escalation of tension makes that scenario more plausible.
From Foreign Affairs they confirm that Spain is “prepared” to activate the evacuation device in Ukraine while asking to remain calm. At the moment, the situation is being “analyzed” but this evacuation device is “ready” to be activated “if necessary”.
This Saturday, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, called the leader of the Popular Party, Pablo Casado, by phone to inform him of the latest diplomatic movements. “I have reiterated the support of the Popular Party so that the Government fulfills Spain’s responsibilities within the framework of NATO and the EU,” Casado revealed in a tweet published later.
Sánchez has also had a conversation with King Felipe VI, whom he has informed of the new travel recommendations to Ukraine adopted this Saturday. The President maintains constant communication with the King on this matter. He has also informed the partners of the government coalition through the second vice president, Yolanda Díaz. For his part, Albares is going to inform the spokesmen of the parliamentary groups.
Concern
The specter of war is causing many Western countries to advise their citizens to leave Ukraine. This Saturday, Russia also added concern by admitting that it is reducing its diplomatic staff in Kiev, alluding to “provocations” from Ukraine and Western countries.
Amid this general alarm, diplomacy intensifies this weekend. The president of the United States, Joe Biden, will hold a conversation this Saturday with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, after their respective chiefs of staff held a conversation on Friday. A call between the Russian and French president, Enmanuelle Macron, is also planned.