The candidate considers that Emmanuel Macron's position "is understood in a logic of loss of internal influence and in the context of an electoral campaign" and, recognising that the invasion of Ukraine by Russia represented a "change of era", argues that defence should be seen in the light of membership of NATO, an organisation of which Portugal is one of the founding countries.

For the top candidate of the IL, Cotrim Figueiredo, it is necessary to bear in mind that the "war is between two states only", which do not belong to NATO.

"It does not seem reasonable to us that the Portuguese armed forces -- which today barely have conditions and resources in Portugal -- should be called upon for this effort", he replies.

Catarina Martins, who leads the BE list, considers that the idea of a confrontation "between the world's greatest nuclear powers is irresponsible and dangerous" and proposes holding a "peace conference, under the aegis of the United Nations".

João Oliveira, number one on the CDU list, argues that "helping the Ukrainian people is to urgently open a path of political negotiation for peace and not to escalate the confrontation".

"We cannot accept that the Portuguese youth and the youth of the other countries that make up the European Union should be sent to die wherever NATO is interested or wherever Mr. Macron says", he states.

The top candidate of the Livre, Francisco Paupério, also warns that such a decision "could contribute to the escalation of the conflict" and advocates an "immediate ceasefire".

Ukraine should receive "all the necessary support", argues Marta Temido, top candidate of the PS.

"However, a direct European intervention in Ukrainian territory in the current context could entail a risk of escalation of the conflict that cannot be neglected, with the potential to worsen the situation and hinder its rapid resolution", she argues.

On the side of the AD coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM), Sebastião Bugalho does not give a "yes" or "no" answer to the sending of European troops, including Portuguese troops, to the field, choosing instead to emphasise that "it is Putin who is at war with Europe, not Portugal who is at war with Russia".

"Support for Ukraine will only end on the day of Russia's defeat. And this is political, financial, military and humanitarian support", he states, advocating the deepening of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Without also responding directly to the question of whether "with the possibility of sending troops, including Portuguese troops, to Ukraine under the European Union" as suggested by Macron, the top candidate of the PAN, Pedro Fidalgo, replies that the European Union must "act proactively to guarantee its security and defence in different dimensions, such as cybersecurity, including in cooperation and solidarity".

Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed in early May that the sending of Western troops to Ukraine cannot be ruled out, as he had already said in February.

"If the Russians were to cross the front line, if there were a Ukrainian request - which is not the case at present - we should legitimately ask ourselves the question", said the French president.

Read Also: Macron defends "new concept of security" for Europe in the face of Russian threat (Portuguese version)

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