The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, warned this military leader that “the threats weighing on Europe in the country, unfortunately”, and therefore, his “presence in Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania or Romania is essential to demonstrate firmness and determination in the face of the provocations of Putin’s Russia”. During the traditional video conference held every December 24 with troops deployed abroad, Sánchez thanked members of the armed forces for their work, both inside and outside Spain. “One more year we have dedicated ourselves to the task of protecting Spain and we have contributed to this work for peace, for international security which is so important nowadays,” they say.
The president also ignored the “sacrifice” and “effectiveness” with which the military faced “very complicated” situations within Spain’s borders, such as during last summer’s “devastating” forest fires. “That presence just betrayed that trust and that security and that hope in the people. So you can feel immense pride for them,” he said.
Sánchez takes a look at the convulsive international panorama, starting with the conflict in Ukraine, which continues even after “four years of illegal and unjustified invasion” with “the continued suffering of its population”. He also warned that “the situation continues to be unstable and critical” in the Middle East, despite the intensity of hostilities and the ongoing negotiations to move to a new phase of the peace plan, and he expressly cited “the extraordinary work and excellent morality” of the Spanish contingent in Lebanon, where continued violations of the cessation of hostilities agreed between Israel and the Hezbollah militia, which “has yet another necessary mission.”
In addition, it was announced that more than 20,000 Spanish military personnel participated this year in international operations, “a figure that alone illustrates the commitment to international peace and security and a rules-based multilateral order.” You remember that 175 members of the Armed Forces and security forces gave their lives in 36 years of missions abroad.
After recognizing the long-term effort required by the military to celebrate these holidays close to their families – “there are no words that can alleviate the homesickness, nor shorten the distance that separates them from their loved ones”, he said – he stressed that “the effort is worth it” and that means “with the gratitude of the whole country whose bandera” has worn “with dignity and pride” for other countries. Finally, he hopes that 2026 “will finally bring peace to so many corners of the world that need it. This peace to which you contribute day after day, wherever you are.”
Also participating in the video conference were Defense Minister Margarita Robles and Head of the State Mayor of Defense, Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón, who recently visited the Spanish contingent in Lebanon. “You are all a source of pride. The work you do in favor of peace and security in international missions is an example for all,” said the Minister of the Armed Forces. The Council of Ministers of this country approved the extension until December 31, 2026 of the missions of the armed forces abroad, with “a military effort similar to that of 2025, with specific numerical adjustments in certain missions”.
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