The visit to Ukraine today of prime minister Luís Montenegro has resulted in all kinds of positive affirmations: the two countries have celebrated an agreement for the joint production of underwater drones; they are planning to hold a joint ‘economic forum’ next year – and Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants Portugal to participate in the country’s reconstruction effort.
Giving a press conference early afternoon, the two men said both countries want today’s meeting to signify “a turning point” in economic relations between the two countries.
Image: Miguel A Lopes/ EPA
“Despite the distance that separates us, a geographical distance, we are part of a single Europe, a continent whose nations define history,” said President Zelenskyy, following a one-on-one meeting with Luís Montenegro and, later, a meeting between the two enlarged delegations at Mariinsky Palace ( Zelenskyy’s official residence).
“Europe must remain free from the madness of any dictator” if it wants to maintain its independence, the Ukrainian leader stressed.
“Russia’s war against Ukraine has always been about more than just a war over Ukrainian land, and that is why Russia will never be satisfied with just one part of our land,” he warned.
Thanking Portugal and its European partners for their help and support in defending infrastructure, energy, and logistics, he highlighted the importance of the agreement for joint production of underwater drones.
“This is a very important direction in our collaboration to achieve results, and all of Europe will be able to stand up to the Russians,” he said.
The President of Ukraine also expressed his gratitude for Portugal’s support of the agreement reached at the European Council to guarantee €90 billion in 2026 and 2027, as well as for welcoming Ukrainians currently residing in Portugal.
“Above all, I would like to highlight your participation in the renovation of Ukrainian schools, especially in the cities of Chernihiv and Cherkasy,” he added.
This was Luís Montenegro’s first visit to Ukraine – a country invaded by Russia on February 24, 2022 – since taking over leadership of the PSD/CDS-PP coalition government (in April 2024).
Source: LUSA
