Zelensky asks Portugal for tanks, APCs, anti-ship missiles

President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Portugal to provide Ukraine with Leopard tanks, armored personnel carriers, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

Zelensky stated this in a video address to the Portuguese parliament on Thursday, Ukrinform reports.

“When we turn to the nations of the free world for help, we say simple and clear things: we need weapons to protect ourselves from the Russian brutal invasion, which brought our people as much evil as the Nazi invasion 80 years ago. Leopard tanks, armored personnel carriers, Harpoon anti-ship missiles – this is what you have and what you can help us with to protect the freedom and civilization of Europe. Therefore, I ask your country to provide us with this assistance," said Zelensky.

He also stressed the importance of sanctions pressure on Russia and called on Portugal to support the oil embargo and sanctions against all Russian banks.

"Because only sanctions can force Russia to seek peace and strip the Russian military machine of resources," he said.

In addition, Zelensky noted the need for "principled" European companies so that they all leave the Russian market and stop supporting the aggressor power with their taxes.

"Why did Russia start the war? The capture of Ukraine is its first step to establishing control over Eastern Europe, to destroying democracy in our region. Ukraine was and remains the mainstay of democratic processes in our region," said the head of state. He added that Russia is bringing death and dictatorship to Ukraine, and after Ukraine, they will try to bring it all to Moldova, Poland, Georgia, the Baltic states, Kazakhstan, and other countries that they can ‘reach.’”

Photo: Ukrainian President’s Office