Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this Thursday thanked Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa for his “full and consistent support” at the military, political and humanitarian levels, in particular for his willingness to train Ukrainian pilots.
In a message distributed through his official page on the Telegram social network, accompanied by a short video from the meeting of Moldovan leaders, the head of the Ukrainian state emphasized, in particular, “Portugal’s readiness to participate in the training of Ukrainian pilots.” . . .
“I appreciate the comprehensive and consistent support of Ukraine by the government of Portugal – military, political and humanitarian,” Zelensky stressed.
“Portugal assistance is essential to deter Russian aggression and restore the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” he added following a meeting on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit, a platform for cooperation in the interests of Ukraine’s security and stability. The European Union (EU) and other countries are now focused on peace and energy.
The Portuguese Prime Minister also responded via Twitter to the meeting with Zelensky, guaranteeing “military, political, diplomatic and humanitarian” support.
“We continue shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the defense of its territorial integrity and international law, as well as in the search for a just and lasting peace. For this to be possible, Russia cannot win this war,” António Costa stressed.
In Moldova, Volodymyr Zelensky requested an open invitation for Ukraine to join the Atlantic Alliance, also stressing the importance of protecting Ukrainian skies with F-16 fighter jets, which Ukraine has been demanding from its allies for months.
The President of Ukraine also proposed at the summit to create an anti-missile shield with aircraft and modern air defense systems to protect the skies of the entire European continent.
Speaking to the Portuguese press after the second summit of the European Political Community, António Costa stressed that NATO allies are completing the development of a “collective position” regarding Ukraine’s future in the North Atlantic Alliance.
Stressing that the issue of Ukraine’s integration into NATO “is not yet on the table,” António Costa said that “the best way to guarantee a just and lasting peace after the end of the military offensive depends on how the terms of the peace are negotiated.”
“Unfortunately, we are still far from such a situation,” the prime minister said, still lamenting the “very brutal attacks on Kyiv” recorded this Thursday.
António Costa also told reporters that Portugal is ready to train Ukrainian pilots in the use of F-16 fighters, noting that at the moment there is no possibility to send planes.