Portugal becomes 23rd country to support Ukraine's membership in NATO

The declaration between Ukraine and Portugal has become the 23rd document formalizing support for Ukraine's membership in NATO.

Ihor Zhovkva, deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

"Portugal adds to the list of countries with which we have already formalized support for Ukraine's membership in the Alliance: as of today, these are 23 countries or approximately three-quarters of the number of members," Zhovkva said.

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According to him, the document states, in particular, that Portugal strongly supports Ukraine in starting EU accession negotiations and will continue to support Ukraine on the path to future NATO membership and advocates for Ukraine to become a member of the Alliance when the conditions allow.

"With literally two days left before the NATO Summit in Vilnius begins, we continue to maximize the chances of a practical result for Ukraine," Zhovkva said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in a phone call on Saturday approved the joint declaration on support for Ukraine, including its European and Euro-Atlantic integration.