Portugal’s Costa in Kyiv for talks on aid, EU accession. António Costa has accepted the invitation of his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmygal, to visit Kyiv.     

Portuguese leader wants a ‘pragmatic’ approach to Ukraine’s EU membership application.

“I intend to identify the specific needs required by the Ukrainian authorities and, from there, seek to build an immediate solution that unites the entire European Union,” Costa said in Warsaw on Friday. “I think Ukraine’s integration into the common market is very important, with the easing of customs rules.” 

Portuguese news outlet Público reported that as part of Costa’s one-day visit to the Ukrainian capital, the Portuguese prime minister — who is accompanied by Foreign Secretary Francisco André and Portuguese ambassador to Ukraine António Alves Machado — will also commit to continuing Lisbon’s supply of “military, humanitarian and financial equipment” to Ukraine. Costa will also hold talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal.