Portugal PM António Costa visits Kyiv, commits EUR 250 mn of financial aid for Ukraine

Amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa who visited Kyiv on Saturday met with embattled President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and spoke about a wide range of issues, including defense assistance. In dition to this, Portugal decided to provide Ukraine with EUR 250 million in financial assistance. deal was inked in Kyiv on May 21, Saturday between Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as well as Portugal's António Costa. 

Following agreement, Shmyhal posted a mess on his Telegram channel, saying, “Ukraine should receive first tranche of up to EUR 100 million this year. This will help Ukraine maintain macroecomic stability during war and allow it to recover faster after our victory. Thanks to Portugal for this support!" 

Furrmore, during his visit to war-torn Ukraine, Costa said that he will never forget visit to Irpin. He went on to say that amount of devastation and bloodshed is absolutely devastating. He ded, “I testified to evidence of vicious, indiscriminate and unjustified attacks.” 

It is to mention that Costa is most recent in line of Western politicians and officials to visit Kyiv after Ukrainian forces drove Russian troops out of city's environs. Zelenskyy even emphasised that this was Portuguese Prime Minister's first trip to Ukraine. According to a statement from President of Ukraine’s Office, Zelenskyy described Costa's travel to Ukraine on Europe Day as significant, since Ukrainian citizens are defending independence and freedom that all Europeans share. 

Zelenskyy commended Portugal's willingness to support Ukraine

During a joint meeting with  media, President Zelenskyy said while dressing Costa, “Portugal has been helping Ukraine since first days of Russia's full-scale invasion of our land. I am grateful to your country and to you personally, Mr. Prime Minister, for your defensive, political and humanitarian assistance,” as per statement.  

Zelenskyy also commended Portugal's willingness to support Ukraine financially. According to him, discussion also covered a wide variety of vital matters connected to Ukraine's defence. subject of punishing Russian war criminals was also discussed. 

In meeting, Portugal PM Costa reiterated his willingness to assist in post-war rehabilitation of Ukraine. He stated that his government might be held liable for reconstruction of schools and kindergartens that were damd during conflict.  Costa claims that Portugal has extensive expertise developing and constructing educational facilities, which it will be able to use in Ukraine. 

Portuguese PM furr praised Ukrainian people's resistance against Russia's brutal and utterly illegal invasion, as well as world's miration for ir bravery. He emphasised friendship between people of Ukraine and Portugal, citing Ukrainian community's significant contribution to growth of Portuguese ecomy in recent deces, statement re.

(Im: AP)