Authorities in Portugal condemned NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statement that Lisbon sees Russia as a less urgent threat due to the country's remoteness, Politico reports. The Portuguese Foreign Ministry expressed regret for Ruta's words, emphasizing that the country's government and its people have always clearly understood "on which side of history they stand," Politico writes. Earlier, Ruta said in an interview with Dutch television that southern European countries such as Spain and Portugal perceive the Russian threat as remote. He said he often reminds allies that new Russian missiles can arrive in Lisbon just five minutes later than Warsaw. NATO representative Alison Hart explained that all allies recognize Russia as a threat, and the Secretary-General only emphasizes the proximity of this threat to the general public. According to the Kiel Institute of World Economics, since 2022, Spain has provided Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid worth 1.5 billion euros, and Portugal - 390 million euros.

Authorities in Portugal condemned NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statement that Lisbon sees Russia as a less urgent threat due to the country's remoteness, Politico reports. The Portuguese Foreign Ministry expressed regret for Ruta's words, emphasizing that the country's government and its people have always clearly understood "on which side of history they stand," Politico writes. Earlier, Ruta said in an interview with Dutch television that southern European countries such as Spain and Portugal perceive the Russian threat as remote. He said he often reminds allies that new Russian missiles can arrive in Lisbon just five minutes later than Warsaw. NATO representative Alison Hart explained that all allies recognize Russia as a threat, and the Secretary-General only emphasizes the proximity of this threat to the general public. According to the Kiel Institute of World Economics, since 2022, Spain has provided Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid worth 1.5 billion euros, and Portugal - 390 million euros.