Spanish defense minister claims that Spain is against NATO troops in Ukraine
Date
6/24/2024 8:24:05 AM
(MENAFN) Sending NATO troops to Ukraine would constitute an unacceptable escalation in the conflict with Russia, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles warned on Monday. Speaking at an event for female diplomats organized by the German ambassador to Madrid, Robles addressed Spain’s recent security agreement with Ukraine and its ongoing support for Kiev.
Robles highlighted the current global situation as the most perilous since World War II, noting that ballistic missiles do not respect borders. She responded to recent comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who, along with some European NATO members, suggested the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine. Robles stated that Spain is "totally" opposed to this idea. She emphasized the need for caution to avoid giving Russia any pretext for further escalation of the conflict, even though Madrid respects Paris’s position.
Macron recently claimed that France is "not at war with Russia" and is forming a coalition with other countries to send military instructors to Ukraine, asserting that this move does not constitute an escalation. Robles, however, reiterated that NATO has been careful to avoid escalating the conflict while still supporting Ukraine.
Over the past two years, the United States and its allies have provided Ukraine with nearly USD120 billion worth of weapons, equipment, and ammunition, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany. Despite this significant support, the allies maintain that their involvement does not make them a direct party to the conflict.
Robles clarified that the weapons sent by Spain to Ukraine have been solely defensive. She also mentioned that Spain is completing repairs on a new batch of Leopard main battle tanks, which will soon be dispatched to Kiev. Additionally, Spain is training approximately 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers as part of its ongoing support.
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