Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, participated in the 9th Estoril Conference in Portugal. The theme of this year’s event is "Time to ReThink," with the goal of reconsidering approaches to building a sustainable and just future.
"War, more than anything else, forces us to rethink the value of time. It made some things unbearably long – like bombardments. And others, too fast. For example, the time it takes a Russian missile to reach a house in Kharkiv, where people are peacefully sleeping – just 30 seconds. The time to stop critical bleeding of a wounded person – just a few minutes. That’s why I urge the world to remember: time has a price. And that price is life," the President's wife said in her speech.
She emphasized that after 10 years of Russian aggression, Ukraine has had to rethink many things, and now it can share its experience with the world. This includes approaches to security and civil defense, the importance of resilience, and the protection of children.
"The most painful realization is that in the 21st century, the deportation of children by an aggressor has become possible. And no one, not even the most respected organizations in the world, can do anything about it. This inaction, too, needs to be reconsidered," Olena Zelenska said.
The First Lady urged the world to act not only for Ukraine’s security but also for global security.
"No action is in vain if we truly act. Peace becomes closer if we fight for it. And the principles of coexistence can be preserved and restored if we defend them rather than turn a blind eye to their violation," she emphasized.
Olena Zelenska, along with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko also met with President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Olena Zelenska thanked him for Portugal’s support of Ukraine, for sheltering nearly 60,000 Ukrainians, for participating in the Peace Summit, and for supporting the Peace Formula.
She also noted Portugal’s willingness to contribute to the reconstruction of educational institutions in the Zhytomyr region.