Sánchez commits to reinforcing "military support for Ukraine" and "pressure on Russia" in meeting with the Coalition of Volunteers: "The path to a just peace"

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, landed this Monday in Paris, France, to attend the meeting of the Coalition of Volunteers for Ukraine alongside the French president, Emmanuel Macron. The visit is marked by recent criticism from the French Government of former Spanish president Mariano Rajoy, who have called his words about the French national team "racist".

The President of the Government wanted to reaffirm Spain's support for Ukraine, stating that "we reinforce military support" and "pressure on Russia". Sánchez conveyed the initiative through his social network X where he wrote: "Determination and unity. That is what Ukraine needs at this decisive moment. Today in Paris, with the Coalition of Volunteers, we reinforce military support, economic pressure on Russia, and preparation for negotiations with security guarantees. Europe must have its own voice on the path to a just peace."

Determinación y unidad. Eso es lo que necesita Ucrania en este momento decisivo.

Hoy en París, con la Coalición de Voluntarios, reforzamos el apoyo militar, la presión económica sobre Rusia y la preparación para unas negociaciones con garantías de seguridad.

Europa debe tener… pic.twitter.com/Iyuwmgxl11

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) July 13, 2026

Likewise, Pedro Sánchez has announced that "Spain joins the Ballistic Missile Coalition" in order to "continue strengthening our common capabilities." He also communicated the union to the coalition on his social media, in a message where he stated: "Cooperating is the best way to face the challenges of the present and the future."

A visit marked by controversy

The words of former PP Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, about the French national football team, have generated a wave of criticism from the PSOE, the Government, and multiple public figures. Likewise, from France, statements have been made condemning the former president's remarks. On the one hand, the French Foreign Minister, Jean Nöek Barrot, has described them as "pathetic" and, the latest to speak out have been the deputies of the far-right party National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen. 

Rajoy published a column this Sunday in which he had to talk about the World Cup ahead of Spain's debut match against France this Tuesday. In this context, he stated that the French team has "a very high level, yes, without Frenchmen."

In this regard, the spokesperson for the far-right formation, Julien Odoul, has stated: "Mr. Rajoy is a racist. Simply put, his statements are scandalous, shameful, and regrettable. Everyone should condemn them." 

Likewise, he continued: "That is totally the antithesis of the French project which consists of having three colors: blue, white, and red, whatever the origin or religion of each one."

Along these lines, the French Foreign Minister, Jean Nöek Barrot, has spoken out, expressing that "those statements are pathetic. Once and for all, France has no skin color. Any statement to the contrary is the result of stupidity, racism, or a combination of both." "Stupidity, mediocrity, and racism," he continued his criticism of the former president. He also praised the response of the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, who called Rajoy's words "xenophobic." Thus, the French Foreign Minister asserted that he "responded very well."

France applauds Sánchez's response

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has responded to Mariano Rajoy, after his statements in an opinion column about the French national football team via a message on X. "There are those who still measure belonging by surname, place of birth or skin color. Others measure it by the roots to a country and the will to contribute to it. Playing football. Taking care of our elders. Or opening businesses," the president wrote in a post on the social network.

The head of the Executive also added: "Spain belongs to those who love it and work for it. Not to those who shame it with xenophobic statements." Finally, he concluded: "France, see you in the semifinals. May the best win and racism lose."