Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has stated that his country can participate in operations to support Ukraine’s security after the war. On 20 December, Montenegro came to Kyiv on an official visit, UNIAN reports.
During the meeting, he emphasized that Portugal does not wish to be directly involved in the war but is ready to act within a coalition of willing nations and NATO-led peacekeeping missions.
“In the context of a peacekeeping mission and security guarantees, Portuguese forces could be deployed on Ukrainian territory,” Montenegro said.
He added that such participation could be coordinated with Latvia and Lithuania.
Portugal is ready to share its scientific advancements in drone production
Ukraine and Portugal have agreed on the joint production of Ukrainian naval drones, according to Oleksandr Kamyshin, adviser to the President of Ukraine.
“Our unmanned vessels have already proven effective against Russian warships and submarines. Now, they will help Portugal protect Europe from the sea,” Kamyshin said.
Montenegro emphasized that Portugal is prepared to share its expertise and scientific advancements to support Ukraine in drone development and production.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the agreement important for strengthening defense cooperation and security across Europe.
“Modern drones are a real instrument of defense. The results of this collaboration are significant for the security of all European countries,” Zelenskyy said.
The visit carries "special significance"
Until now, the Portuguese prime minister had only two personal meetings with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
This marks Luís Montenegro’s first visit to Ukraine since taking office, Obozrevatel reports.
Montenegro stressed that the visit carries “special significance”, as Ukraine continues to need solidarity and financial support.
“This visit is primarily a demonstration of support, rather than an announcement. Portugal has stood by Ukraine and the Ukrainian people from the very first day of Russia’s unjust aggression,” Montenegro told journalists.
He emphasized that Portugal assists Ukraine through a range of humanitarian, social, military, and political programs.
In Kyiv, Montenegro and Zelenskyy honored Ukraine’s fallen defenders during the visit.
Additionally, the Ukrainian president highlighted Portugal’s contribution to the PURL program, which enables Ukraine to purchase American weapons.
