24 September 2025

President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, spoke at the Fifth Summit of the Crimea Platform

“We unequivocally condemn the occupation and fully support Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We are firmly rejecting any territorial acquisition by force,” Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa, President of the Portuguese Republic.

Marcelo Rebelo De Sousa emphasized that the occupation of Crimea in 2014 marked the start of Russia’s campaign of aggression and disregard for international law, the UN Charter, and UN resolutions. He also condemned Russia’s unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children, the environmental damage from Russia’s militarization of Crimea, the Azov, and the Black Sea. He demanded the safe return of abducted people, urging compliance with humanitarian law and secure civilian corridors.

Furthermore, he called on Russia to follow international law, supported military aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, and stressed that Portugal will always stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.