Russia vows retaliation against Portugal over helicopter transfer
2:01 PM EDT, September 22, 2024
Russia announced that it will take retaliatory actions against Portugal for providing Ukraine with six Russian Kamov helicopters that were previously used by the Portuguese Ministry of Interior services for firefighting.
On Saturday, via Portuguese television RTP, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova informed that the Kremlin decided to respond to the delivery of helicopters to Ukraine.
She stated that "Portugal and other EU countries are following the path set by Washington,” being "submissive,” while also "unaware” of the consequences of their actions.
The spokeswoman added that the Kremlin examines what retaliatory measures will be implemented, and "everyone will learn about their enactment in due time.”
Kamov helicopters delivered to Ukraine
According to the Portuguese news agency Lusa, the Kamov Ka-32A11B helicopters that Portugal delivered to Ukraine as military equipment were purchased from Russia in 2006.
Services under the Ministry of Interior used these helicopters for firefighting in Portugal. The media recall that these machines frequently broke down.
The Portuguese Ministry of Defense informed that the helicopters were transported to Ukraine by land, and the last delivery took place in the first half of September.
Portugal's declarations on supporting Ukraine
In October 2022, the then-Minister of Defense of Portugal, Helena Carreiras, announced the intention to send Kamov helicopters to Ukraine. However, Prime Minister Antonio Costa's socialist government, which held office until April 2024, did not decide to carry out this step.
