In a statement posted on X, the Portuguese Foreign Ministry said Rutte should recognize the countries and governments that firmly support Ukraine and understand the threat posed by Russia, Anadolu Agency reported.
“Portugal, its government and its people have never been in any doubt about which side of history they stand on,” the ministry said, describing the NATO chief’s remarks as regrettable given the seriousness of the issue.
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During a televised interview on Nov. 6, Rutte said some allies, including Spain and Portugal, viewed Russia as a distant threat and considered it primarily a concern for Poland.
His comments prompted a public response from Lisbon, which reaffirmed its position on the conflict and its support for Ukraine.
