Spanish foreign minister doubts Ukraine ceasefire amid Russian strikes
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares (Getty Images)
The intensification of Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities leaves little room for optimism about a swift ceasefire in Ukraine, said Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, according to La Repubblica.
According to him, Spain "supports any genuine ceasefire in Ukraine — one that is unconditional and, above all, a first step toward a just and lasting peace."
Albares made the remarks in response to US President Donald Trump's ultimatum, under which Washington will impose secondary sanctions with 100% tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict is not reached within 50 days.
"But honestly, what we've been seeing for weeks from Vladimir Putin does not allow me to be optimistic about a ceasefire," Spanish Foreign Minister emphasized.
"Day after day, night after night, we witness hundreds of drones and missiles being launched indiscriminately across Ukraine, killing civilians."
According to the Spanish minister, "Europe must be clear: yes to a ceasefire, but only within the framework of principles such as international law, and Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
"In the meantime, we must continue to support Kyiv for as long as necessary," Albares added.
Trump's ultimatum
US President Donald Trump said he is disappointed with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the lack of progress in peace negotiations on the war in Ukraine.
He explained that he had expected a peace agreement with Putin two months ago, but that never happened.
As a result, Trump warned that the US would introduce strict economic measures against Russia, including secondary tariffs of up to 100%, if no agreement is reached within 50 days. He stressed that the plan is straightforward and that Washington is serious about implementing it.
Although he expressed hope that such actions could be avoided, Trump made it clear that the United States is ready to respond decisively.
