According to a statement, "In recent days, there have been movements of Russian naval forces" and, on a permanent basis, the Portuguese Navy has monitored the movements.

"​​To this end, the Maritime Operations Center permanently monitored the activity of the frigate Gorshkov and the amphibious ship Alexander Shabalin, and coordinated the employment of the NRP D. Francisco de Almeida and the NRP Sines who accompanied these ships, between the morning of the 15th and the early morning of the 17th, during their navigations along the Continent's Exclusive Economic Zone".

According to the Navy, this operation lasted more than 60 hours and represents the 71st follow-up mission in 2024.

"The Navy, through these monitoring and surveillance actions, guarantees the defense and security of maritime spaces under national sovereignty, jurisdiction or responsibility, contributes to the protection of Portugal's interests and its critical infrastructures and, simultaneously, ensures compliance with commitments international agreements undertaken within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year", conclude those responsible.