Portugal has sent more than 850 tons of materials since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine

Portugal has sent more than 850 tons of materials to Ukraine since the start of the conflict with Russia, Defense Minister Elena Carreiras said this Friday in Mafra.

“Portugal has consistently and unconditionally supported Ukraine’s efforts to build resilience by donating more than 850 tons of materials, including military supplies,” said Helena Carreiras, who closed the 3rd Mafra Dialogues meeting in Mafra, Lisbon region.

According to the Minister of Defense, Portugal “does not support aggression with weapons, but supports resistance to aggression.”

“This war concerns us because what is at stake is the security of Europe and the defense of a world where international law prevails and the right of every people to live in peace,” he said.

The military offensive launched by Russia on February 24, 2022 on the territory of Ukraine has so far caused the flight of more than 14.6 million people – 6.5 million internally displaced persons and more than 8.1 million to European countries – from, according to the latest UN data, who classify this migration crisis as the worst in Europe since the Second World War (1939-1945).

At least 18 million Ukrainians are in need of humanitarian assistance, and 9.3 million are in need of food aid and shelter.

The Russian invasion, justified by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the need to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine for Russia’s security, was condemned by the international community at large, which responded by sending weapons to Ukraine and imposing political and economic sanctions on Russia.

The UN has presented as confirmed 8,574 civilian deaths and 14,441 wounded since the start of the war, stressing that these figures are much lower than the real ones.