Russia's Warning to Portugal and the EU
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday that it will implement "retaliatory measures" against Portugal and other EU countries for sending military equipment, including Kamov helicopters, to Ukraine.
Maria Zakharova, the official representative of Russian diplomacy, stated that the delivery of Kamov helicopters to Ukraine is perceived as a hostile act against Russia, part of what she described as Portugal's "docile and unconscious" alignment with the trajectory set by Washington.
During a videoconference at the IV Eurasian Women's Forum in St. Petersburg, Zakharova mentioned that retaliation plans will be studied secretly and will be revealed when Russia begins to implement them. She emphasized that "we remember these actions when defining bilateral relations.
Accusations Against Ukraine
Zakharova condemned the Kiev regime and its Western allies for discussing the potential use of long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russia. She accused the Ukrainian army of committing "monstrous crimes" against the peaceful population in the Kursk region, comparing their methods to those of Nazis during World War II.
She also criticized the United States for its role in destabilizing various regions globally, asserting that they resort to illegitimate means of financial, economic, and technological containment, which adversely affect populations, including those in the US.
Ukraine's Response
The Ukrainian government stated it does not underestimate Russia's threats towards Portugal and other EU member states due to the military aid provided. A Ukrainian source expressed that while they do not want to overstate Russia's threats, they take them seriously, noting that such threats often lead to action.
Despite the tensions, Ukrainian officials expressed their appreciation for Portugal's support, highlighting the fruitful communications between Kiev and Lisbon since the onset of the war following the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Ongoing Conflict
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Russia intensifying its airstrikes against Ukrainian cities and infrastructures while Ukrainian forces target Russian territory near the border and in Crimea, which was illegally annexed in 2014. Negotiations have been stalled since spring 2022, with Moscow insisting that Ukraine accept the annexation of parts of its territory.
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