The Presidents of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda and Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Souza spoke in Ukrainian on August 24, congratulating the citizens of Ukraine on Independence Day at Sophiivska Square in Kyiv.
This is reported by European Pravda.
The President of Lithuania noted that since the first days of the full-scale Russian invasion, the country has actively supported Ukraine and this support will remain unwavering. And Vilnius will never recognize the occupation and annexation of Crimea and other territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia.
“Remembering many centuries of common history, we know that you will win. Victory means peace, security and lasting prosperity. This is the hope for justice for thousands of victims of Russian aggression and their families… Together we will rebuild Ukraine, and we want to make it a part of of the Euro-Atlantic community. Our vision is a strong Ukraine in a strong Europe. I believe that one day Ukraine will become a member of both the EU and NATO. The aggressor will not determine the fate of Ukraine,” he said.
Nauseda quoted lines from Taras Shevchenko’s poem “Fight – overcome,…” and expressed his belief that “we will celebrate the next Independence Day together with victory. Live forever, independent Ukraine.”
The President of Portugal began his speech by assuring that Portugal, as it “always will be”, is on the side of Ukraine.
“Without your legal defense, there will be no peace and security in Europe,” he said, emphasizing once again that the future of Ukraine will be “in the European Union and NATO.”
De Souza wished “long years of Ukraine’s independence” and “long years of brotherhood between Portugal and Ukraine.”
