The Russian embassy today urged its citizens in Portugal to contact the Portuguese authorities and the embassy service in the event of any threats to their security following the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
“If your security is threatened, Contact the Portuguese authorities immediately (…), as well as inform the embassy’s embassy service Regarding the incident with the emergency number, whose staff will provide assistance within the limits of their ability, ”reads a note posted on the official website of the Russian Embassy in Portugal.
In a message encouraging to report cases of “provocations, threats and prejudices”, but Russian citizens in Portugal “do not allow provocation”, the embassy said “within the jurisdiction of the country that conducts” these “in the territory of a foreign state”.
Kiev said Russia had launched a military offensive in Ukraine early Thursday morning, targeting ground forces and several cities, killing more than 350 civilians, including children. The UN estimates that there are more than 100,000 displaced people and nearly 500,000 refugees in Poland, Hungary, Moldova and Romania.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that a “special military operation” in Ukraine is aimed at militarizing the neighboring country, and that the only way for Russia to defend itself is for the Kremlin to extend an attack.
In that note, the Russian Embassy in Portugal points out, a Special measures to save the lives of people who have declared themselves republics of Donetsk and LukanskRecognized by Moscow.
He also condemned the “unprecedented pressure” exerted on Russian-speaking citizens.
“These unacceptable actions have been documented by Ukrainian extremist nationalists who have successfully infiltrated the ranks of anti-peace activists, and by the inability to isolate the fakes of local civilians affected by the information war being waged against Russia. In discrediting the Russian military,” he said.
“Now, more than ever, the integration of our immigrants is more important than the coordination of efforts to protect our legitimate rights and interests,” he added.
The attack was widely condemned by the international community, including the European Union and the United States, who responded by sending arms and ammunition to Ukraine and strengthening sanctions to further isolate Moscow.
Protests against Russia’s occupation of Ukraine have multiplied, with events in various parts of the country, including in Portugal, next to the Russian embassy in Lisbon or next to the Russian embassy in Porto.