Portugal will always support the independence of Ukraine as it continues to fight a Russian invasion that began a year and a half ago, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said at an event in Kyiv marking the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
On a visit to Ukraine, Rebelo de Sousa addressed his counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and members of the country’s military in the Ukrainian language.
“Hail, Ukraine! Portugal will always be, and is, with your independence,” said Rebelo de Sousa at the anniversary event.
To the guests’ surprise, the military and even Zelenskyy de Sousa spoke in Ukrainian for just over a minute and were applauded several times.
In his remarks, he stressed that supporting Ukraine is essential if Europe is to have a secure future.
“Without your legitimate defence, there will be no peace and security in Europe,” he said, adding that Ukraine’s future will be “in the European Union and NATO”.
De Sousa ended his brief speech by offering “a hug for all the brave and indomitable Ukrainian people” in their homeland and Portugal.
“Long live Ukrainian independence” and “long live the brotherhood between Portugal and Ukraine,” Portugal’s president concluded.
(André Campos Ferrão | Lusa.pt)
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