Portugal is available to join new coalitions being formed by allies to support Ukraine, National Defense Minister Helena Carreiras announced in Leiria on Wednesday.
The minister, who took part today in the National Defense Day at Air Base No. 5 in Monte Real, emphasized that Portugal, in particular, is already “actively participating in some training coalitions”.
“We have deepened our contribution in the field of training, both in the F-16s and in the air [carros de combate] Leopard and we are available to join other coalitions that are being formed, especially in the field of demining, and evaluate the possibility of doing this in other coalitions,” said Helena Carreiras.
Portugal took part in a meeting of Ukraine’s allies on Wednesday, held at the Ramstein North American base in Germany.
Helena Carreiras, who was present at this meeting, said she felt that “unity and cohesion are still there. This is important. I felt that this collective effort was having an impact.”
In Germany, Ukraine’s needs in the war were assessed and “the countries discussed their material offers”, again emphasizing “the importance of air support and ammunition”.
One of the novelties identified by the Minister of Defense during the meeting of allies was the idea that countries organize themselves in such a way that they “cover the different dimensions, in the navy, the air force and the army”, but also “in the field of innovation, new technologies and special forces, where support for Ukraine will be of great importance.”
“This is a logistics war,” emphasizes Helena Carreiras, and therefore “it is essential to supply equipment,” but also “to know how to maintain it, how to maintain it, how to train the people who are going to operate this equipment, spare parts for repairs. This requires a very broad and concerted effort and that is what we see happening.”
In Monte Real, where she met students in the context of the National Defense Day, the minister, speaking to the participants, said that Portugal has already sent 1,100 tons of materials to Ukraine, while a new shipment is being prepared, namely uniforms resistant to serious injuries . the winter.
Source: DN
