Russian Embassy Accuses Portuguese Media of Distorting Coverage of Kiev Attack

Portuguese Diplomatic Mission Reports Damage
The Portuguese diplomatic mission has reported material damage during a Russian attack on a building housing embassies, including Portugal's, in Kiev.

Formal Protest from Portugal
In response to the attack, the Portuguese government summoned the Russian ambassador in Lisbon to present a formal protest, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeling the incident as "absolutely unacceptable."

Russian Embassy's Response
On Saturday evening, the Russian Embassy in Portugal published a statement on Telegram, accusing Portuguese media of inciting "Russophobic sentiments" and distorting the events. The embassy claimed that Russian armed forces only target military objectives and blamed Ukrainian air defense for the damage.

Defense System Criticism
The Russian mission argued that the damage to the Portuguese diplomatic building was due to the unprofessional use of the Ukrainian air defense system, which has repeatedly shown its ineffectiveness.

Military Targets Hit in Kiev
Citing the Russian Defense Ministry, the statement said that on December 20, military targets in Kiev, including the Security Service's command center and missile production facilities, were struck in retaliation for Ukrainian missile attacks on the Rostov region.

Accusations Against Ukraine
The Russian mission also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of using civilian buildings as human shields by placing military facilities within city limits, leading to tragic consequences.