The stance was articulated by Nuno Melo while speaking to journalists during a visit to Air Base No. 11, located in the Beja district. During the event, Melo was asked about comments made by President Donald Trump’s envoy on international affairs, Steve Witkoff. During an interview with Fox News, Witkoff stated that he does not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to take over all of Europe.
Witkoff described the perceived threat as theoretical, asserting that, in his view, Putin desires peace.
Countering the notion that the Russian threat is purely theoretical, Nuno Melo emphasized his distinction between a nation considered an ally and the current administration leading it.
“Portugal, concerning military dimensions, finds purpose only in actions alongside our allies, with the United States being a crucial ally. We aim to preserve this relationship, although there may be contextual disagreements, especially regarding Russia,” Melo stated.
From Nuno Melo’s perspective, it is vital that the United States also regards Europe as an ally and comprehends over time that the Russians “are not exactly friends of the system.”
In line with Portugal’s commitments to NATO, Melo bid farewell today to approximately forty Air Force servicemen who departed for Estonia. This country, which borders Russia, will host a mission by the Atlantic Alliance to monitor and enhance maritime security in the Baltic Sea.
Alongside these personnel, Portugal will also dispatch a P-3C plane to the Ämari airbase.
The mission, to be conducted by Squadron 601, the Air Force “Wolves,” will be led by navigation major Tiago Andrade. He informed journalists that the contingent headed to the Baltics already has experience in the region and is “extremely well-prepared.”
“The primary mission will be to patrol the Baltic Sea, observing the movements of non-NATO countries that might be in the area, with increased focus on protecting communication lines in the Baltic Sea,” he added.
In his speech, Nuno Melo emphasized that these military personnel depart “for Estonia in a particularly challenging geopolitical context where democracies confront oppressions.”
“They face real risks, and not everyone can manage this. In the east, near the European Union’s borders and the NATO perimeter, we’re witnessing a war of conquest in Ukraine initiated by Russia, which has extended for over three years. In the Baltic, recurrent hybrid actions only highlight that Euro-Atlantic security begins in this region, on land, at sea, and in the air,” he underlined.
During his address, Nuno Melo acknowledged that Air Force personnel, “due to their quality,” are “courted and pressured, receiving offers” from the corporate sector to leave the Armed Forces.
“But I must also say that we desire you to feel fulfilled in the Air Force because no company can replace what that uniform represents—a people and a flag. It’s essential that the State, in turn, has the ability to reward you for the sacrifices it asks of you,” he asserted.
Besides this mission, another military force from the Air Force will also be deployed this week to Estonia. This group will include four F-16M aircraft and up to 100 personnel tasked with policing the airspace of the Baltic countries. The mission, lasting four months, will commence on April 1 and conclude on July 31.
