The Catalan legislature has been engaging with Ukraine and the efforts of its people and soldiers to resist the Russian military occupation for a little over a year. The foreign affairs committee of Parliament of Catalonia confirmed this on Thursday, in the presence of the Consul General of Russia in Barcelona, Artem Vorobyov. A resolution was adopted that supports the Ukrainian people and condemns the violence directed at them. The diplomat used the moment to reiterate his country’s openness to negotiations with China, following a recent Chinese peace proposal presented in Beijing.
He clarified that this is not a definitive plan, noting that China has simply shared its vision. Among the many approaches outlined by China, Kyiv highlights the first, which emphasizes respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all nations. Vorobyov also noted that Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated a willingness to meet Xi Jinping in Kiev, and that negotiations with China could be possible, depending on circumstances.
When deputies asked about the prospect of ending the conflict, the consul stressed that the path forward must avoid further civilian casualties from Russian strikes in places such as Irpin and Bucha, and from the so-called annexation referendums conducted by occupation authorities in four provinces. The objective remains a military victory that compels a withdrawal of Russian forces from all occupied territories. Vorobyov pointed to the evidence that Russia has not fulfilled its commitments or respected international law. Regarding near-term developments, he expressed confidence that a Ukrainian counteroffensive, aided by Western-supplied weapons, could yield tangible results soon. He also noted that Russia’s winter campaign has faltered, failing to meet initial goals or seize key cities like Bakhmut in Donetsk. The campaign, he said, progressed with difficulty and left Russian forces significantly weakened in the town.
support resolution
The Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations approved a resolution that denounces Russian aggression, calls for a halt to hostilities, and urges an EU energy policy that reduces reliance on external suppliers. Overall, there was broad consensus across groups, with few exceptions. The statement refrains from drawing comparisons between non-sovereign movements in Catalonia, Spain, and Ukraine with the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. A proposed amendment from the Catalan Left Republican Party, urging Madrid to delegate powers on matters of admission and asylum, faced opposition from VOX and the People’s Party. In comments to EL PERIÓDICO from the Prensa Ibérica group at the end of the meeting, the diplomat expressed satisfaction and gratitude for such gatherings, which offer visibility. He noted the war in Ukraine has begun to fade from some front pages of the media, while the human impact and geopolitical stakes remain high.