According to Portuguese newspaper Publico, his visit will include commemorating the victims of Bucha, taking part in a parliamentary summit in Kyiv, and meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Below are the main highlights of this visit and its significance.
1. Commemoration in Bucha
Upon arrival, Speaker Aguiar-Branco traveled to Bucha to pay tribute to the victims of atrocities committed there during the war. This solemn ceremony underscores Portugal’s solidarity with Ukraine, highlighting the importance of international support for documenting and addressing wartime crimes.
Key points:
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The delegation honored those who lost their lives in Bucha.
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The visit underscores continuing EU condemnation of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
2. Parliamentary Summit in Kyiv
After the commemorative event, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco will take part in a summit of parliament speakers in Kyiv.
What we know:
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He is accompanied by MP Eurico Brillante Dias, who chairs the Portugal-Ukraine parliamentary friendship group.
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Discussions with Ukrainian legislators are expected to focus on further joint efforts to restore peace and uphold international law.
3. Meeting with President Zelenskyy
A high-profile moment of the trip will be the meeting between the Portuguese Parliament Speaker and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This encounter is expected to cover a range of topics related to Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, the need for accountability, and paths toward a sustainable peace agreement.
Why it matters:
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Aguiar-Branco has publicly condemned the “illusion” of an immediate peace “at any cost,” suggesting that only a solution respecting international law, justice, and human rights will be acceptable.
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Ukraine is seeking continued military, financial, and political support from European allies such as Portugal.
4. Focus on Upholding International Law
In recent addresses, Aguiar-Branco has emphasized that a just and lasting peace should be built on the rule of law, human rights, and justice. He underlined that Ukraine remains a victim of unprovoked aggression, adding that European solidarity must not waver due to complacency or misguided hopes for a quick settlement.
Quote:
“Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. There is an aggressor and there is a victim. Ukraine is the victim,” the Portuguese Speaker stated in a recent parliamentary speech.
5. Security Measures and Traffic Restrictions
In connection with the delegation’s arrival, the Ukrainian State Security Department announced temporary traffic restrictions in Kyiv and the surrounding region on March 31. These measures ensure the safety of foreign officials and visiting delegations.
What to expect:
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Possible rerouting or limited access on major roads.
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Heightened security presence in and around official venues.
Conclusion
José Pedro Aguiar-Branco’s visit to Ukraine underscores Portugal’s commitment to standing with Ukrainians during a critical period in the ongoing conflict. From honoring the victims of Bucha to meeting with President Zelenskyy, the Speaker’s schedule focuses on solidarity, legislative diplomacy, and advancing a peaceful, lawful resolution to the war. As Kyiv hosts more international delegations, Europe’s continued support remains pivotal to Ukraine’s broader security and reconstruction goals.
