Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has promised that his country would support Ukraine in taking the necessary steps when it presides over the EU Council in the second half of 2023.

Sánchez said this at a joint briefing with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday.

"As the future presiding country of Council and European Parliament in the next six months, Spain is ready to support and accompany Ukraine in the process of realising its legitimate aspirations to join the EU. We welcome all the reforms that are approved and implemented by the Ukrainian government, which is monitored by the European Commission," reporter of "European Pravda" quotes Sánchez.

Ukraine expects to open EU accession negotiations in late 2023. Spain's presidency of the EU Council falls during this period.

Ukraine has to fulfil seven requirements of the European Commission to open EU accession negotiations.

Meanwhile, according to the assessment of a consortium of expert organisations, the average level of Ukraine's fulfilment of EU requirements exceeded 5 out of 10 points.

Read more How Brussels Assesses Kyiv's Readiness to Join the EU: Analytical Report