Ukrainians in Portugal honor Portuguese fighter killed in war against Russia

The Ukrainian community in Portugal has paid tribute to Jerónimo Guerreiro, a Portuguese national who died fighting for Ukraine in its war against Russia as a volunteer in the International Legion.

“Thank you, Hero. Thank you, Portugal!” wrote Pavlo Sadokha on behalf of the community. Sadokha serves as Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) for Southern Europe and President of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal (UUP).

Guerreiro was killed in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. 

He joined Ukraine’s International Legion in 2024 to fight against invading Russian forces. Before that, he had served as a corporal in the Portuguese army and worked as a firefighter.

“It is believed that he took part in an operation in an area controlled by Russian forces. He likely died during combat in the Kupiansk district,” Sadokha said.

The Portuguese government has officially confirmed Guerreiro’s death and pledged to do “everything possible” to bring his body home, according to local media outlet Observador.

“Jerónimo Guerreiro made a conscious choice — to stand on the side of good and justice. His courage is an inspiration to us all,” Sadokha said.

Earlier, the Ukrainian community in New Zealand, Mahi For Ukraine, expressed deep condolences over the tragic death of New Zealand volunteer Shaun Le Cairns, who was also killed in action in Ukraine.