Spain considers sending troops to Ukraine after ceasefire, PM says

On January 6, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that Spain could send troops to Ukraine on a peacekeeping mission once a ceasefire with Russia is achieved, framing the move as part of a broader commitment to Europe and international order.

Speaking after the Paris summit of the so-called Coalition of Volunteers, Sánchez said he will begin a round of talks next week with parliamentary groups in Congress to discuss the scenario, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Spain must be part of the solution," he told reporters, expressing hope that 2026 will be "the year that ends this war." "It is a moment of hope and opportunity," he added.

The 35 countries in the alliance with Ukraine have been finalising a plan on "how to structure and deploy" a "security guarantee framework" to ensure a successful peace agreement, Sánchez said. "We will have to provide support and actively participate," he said, justifying the need to deploy troops after a ceasefire to "protect the civilian population" and prevent renewed fighting.

"We are prepared, as we have done in other parts of the world, to consolidate peace with the presence of our armed forces. Why shouldn't we do the same in Europe?" he asked, stressing the "importance" of Spain, as a "major European country" that defends multilateralism, being present.

The proposal is expected to trigger debate within Sánchez’s left-leaning Socialist Party (PSOE) and its coalition partner Sumar, as well as among opposition parties, including the People’s Party (PP), whose relations with the Socialists are strained.

Sánchez noted he could not yet provide figures or additional details as the technical teams of the Coalition of Volunteers are still designing the guarantee plan. "It is still being defined," he said.

Sánchez also reaffirmed Spain’s economic support for Ukraine. During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Spain less than two months ago, Sánchez announced €615 million in military aid and another €200 million for reconstruction.

The Spanish leader described the potential deployment as consistent with Spain’s long-standing support for Ukraine. "One of unwavering, resounding, and absolute support," he said. Sánchez framed the commitment as part of "a much broader geopolitical vision," linking support for Ukraine to "an unequivocal commitment to Europe" and an "international order based on rules" and "the observance of fair rules, not the law of the jungle."

By Aghakazim Guliyev