The President of the Republic today addressed his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and the military in Ukrainian to assure them that Portugal will always support the independence of the country that has been fighting a Russian invasion for a year and a half.
“Congratulations, Ukraine! Portugal will always be, and is, with your independence,” said Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, during the celebrations of the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence in Kiev.
To the surprise of all the guests, the military and even the President of Ukraine, the Portuguese head of state spoke in Ukrainian for just over a minute and was applauded several times.
The President of the Republic added that supporting Ukraine is essential if Europe is to have a secure future: “Without your legitimate defense, there will be no peace and security in Europe.”
And the future, in the President’s view, will be “in the European Union and NATO”.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa ended his brief speech by leaving “a hug for all the brave and indomitable Ukrainian people”.
“Long live Ukrainian independence. Long live the brotherhood between Portugal and Ukraine,” he concluded.
