In European diplomatic circles, the "Washington group" is the name given to the countries that, last summer, traveled with Volodymyr Zelenski to the United States and accompanied him to his meeting with Donald Trump. They are the ones who promoted the document supporting Ukraine that was signed by 10 European presidents and prime ministers yesterday, advancing an attempt at a peace proposal, excluding Pedro Sánchez. The Spanish Prime Minister is not part of the core group making decisions that will shape Europe's future.
"It is the Washington group, which has been involved since the August meeting with some additions such as Denmark, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Council," explained a diplomatic source to EL MUNDO. "They are mainly the leaders who were with Zelenski in Washington," confirmed a second source.
This includes France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Finland, and the European Commission. They were joined by the President of the European Council, António Costa; indeed, the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen; and the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr. Of course, Zelenski himself was also part of the group.
"We are all united in our desire for a fair and lasting peace, deserved by the people of Ukraine. We strongly support President Trump's position that the fighting must cease immediately and that the current line of contact should be the starting point for negotiations," the text stated, making it clear that they are "committed to the principle that international borders should not be changed by force."
This reference is not at all random, as it came after Trump suggested that Ukraine should accept the loss of part of its territory for peace talks to progress. The document was published before a possible meeting between the magnate and Vladimir Putin in Budapest, which was later questioned, and just days before the European Council meeting this week in Brussels, where Ukraine and the frozen Russian assets will be at the center of the debate.
Therefore, this document is notably relevant. The Government not only did not sign it initially but also downplayed its importance. "In the European context, numerous joint statements are issued, and not all Member States always participate. And often, not being part of a specific declaration does not imply disagreement or disengagement," Moncloa sources pointed out when asked about Spain's absence.
However, as minutes passed, the Government became aware of the significance of the document and its absence. So much so that in just over two hours, its position changed completely; they requested to adhere to the text and emphasized "their commitment to a fair and lasting peace, based on respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in defense of the rules-based international order."
Government sources consulted by this newspaper explain that their initial exclusion from the group was due to them studying the document in depth before joining, arguing that these are "living declarations" that countries analyze and make official when they endorse them with their signature. In Spain's case, the sources indicated that their adherence was at Ukraine's proposal. It was Ukraine that extended the invitation, not other European leaders.
After joining, on Tuesday afternoon, Sánchez had a phone conversation with Zelenski, conveying Spain's support. Sánchez will participate on Friday, according to the Government, remotely in the meeting of the Volunteers Coalition sponsored by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The fact that he was not part of that photo in the Oval Office with Trump is something that does not seem to bother Sánchez much. "Europe must assert its weight even more. That means asserting that transatlantic relationship in terms of greater equality," he responded when asked about the meeting. This reflection implies the feeling that Trump, in his stance on the war as well as on tariffs, does not engage in an equal relationship with European leaders.
The international profile of the Spanish President, which contrasts with the American President - especially regarding defense spending opposition - and domestic politics influence his actions. This also affects other leaders' attitudes towards Spain. What benefits him domestically harms him internationally and vice versa. Another factor influencing Sánchez's international role is that he is currently in the minority, given that most world leaders are conservatives. "Spain has not lost influence," insist sources from the presidential complex.