Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Zelensky expressed gratitude for the Portuguese people's support for Ukrainians and their families, stating that it will never be forgotten and will constitute "a strong basis for the future relationship" between Portugal and Ukraine.

The cooperation and security agreement signed on the occasion of Zelensky's visit to Lisbon provides for Portugal's commitment to provide Kyiv with military support of at least 126 million euros this year, including financial and in-kind contributions.

In this agreement, signed in São Bento between the Portuguese Prime Minister and the Ukrainian President, with a ten-year horizon, it is also highlighted that "Portugal will contribute additional military support to Ukraine, including that to be agreed within the framework of the European Union, NATO, and other relevant international entities".

In his statement after signing the agreement, the Ukrainian President said that the understanding is not only worth the amounts involved but its potential over a decade.

"This does not mean that the war will last ten years", he noted, which highlights the characteristic of the agreement as "a strategic partnership, which talks about reconstruction, humanitarian aid, medicine, rehabilitation".

The Ukrainian leader pointed out that the understanding covers all areas of cooperation between Lisbon and Kyiv, highlighting the military sector and Portugal's collaboration in training for the operation of North American F-16 combat aircraft.

“Strong bond”

For Zelensky, Portuguese and European support demonstrates the "strong bond" between the two countries "against Russian aggression, which wants to destroy human rights, peace in Europe" and cancel his country's status at the United Nations.

The Ukrainian leader warned of the importance of his peace initiative, taking place next month in Switzerland, which will be attended by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, thanking once again for Lisbon's support for the efforts from Kyiv.

"We are waiting for several nations at this summit so that everyone can declare their defense of peace and put an end to the Russian invasion", said Zelensky, who also pointed out Lisbon's help "to integrate other countries" in the meeting that will not be attended by anyone from Russia.

Zelensky also referred to Ukrainians residing in Portugal as one of the largest foreign communities in the country, where they are "well integrated and free", which, he continued, also helps to explain why "Portugal and Ukraine are so linked".

The Ukrainian leader commented that this is "one of the most important aspects" of the partnership between Lisbon and Kyiv and expressed his desire to meet his fellow citizens residing in Portugal during his visit to Lisbon, in particular, "the women and children of the heroes", referring to the families of Armed Forces combatants.