Ukraine’s ambassador to Portugal, Maryna Mykhailenko, argued on Wednesday that the war in Ukraine would last longer if Kiev were to abandon its counter-offensive now and accept an “unfavorable ceasefire.”
“Those who propose that Ukraine should stop now and agree to an unfavorable ceasefire do not wish Ukraine and Europe any success. What they want is something that will allow the Russian army to heal its wounds and then attack Ukraine with renewed vigor,” the ambassador said. who spoke at the ceremony for Erasmus students at the University of Coimbra, which took place in the old church of Convento São Francisco.
According to Maryna Mykhailenko, this strategy “will not end the war”, but only make it “longer”.
Ukraine is “on the offensive” and although achievements will take “more time” in the face of “very undermined and fortified” terrain, there are results, he noted, confident that “skeptics will be surprised”
During her speech, the ambassador said that everyone in Ukraine is “impressed by Portugal’s response to Russian aggression”, with the country showing “not only support, but also real solidarity”.
According to Maryna Mykhailenko, the statement that Western European countries are not as concerned about the conflict because they are further away from the threat “is not applied in Portugal”.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries “have increased” and reached “a new level,” with Ukraine interested in maintaining “this positive momentum.”
In her speech, the ambassador also emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
‘We know the process [de adesão à União Europeia] “It may be difficult and that Portugal, for example, has negotiated for eight years and had a long transition period, but we must start these negotiations so that there is a sign of support for our nation at this time.”the ambassador emphasized in response to journalists after her intervention.
According to Maryna Mykhailenko, there are 60 Ukrainian students studying at the University of Coimbra (UC).
During the ceremony, UC Rector Amílcar Falcão emphasized that the institution he leads “will never waver in its international commitment” to support Ukraine.
“The whole of Europe supports you,” he added.
Source: DN
