Oleksandr Turchynov: We must protect Ukraine not only on land and in the skies, but at the sea too
A solemn launching of a new armored artillery boat of "Giurza-M" class was held with the participation of NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov.
According to Oleksandr Turchynov, Ukraine confronts the cruel and powerful aggressor and, "unfortunately, we cannot say today that the peace process has passed the point of no return".
"Russian occupation forces are doing everything to disrupt the peace plan of resolution of the situation in the East of our country and can resume active hostilities at any moment", - he said, adding that this is exactly why the strengthening of the military capabilities of our Armed Forces "remains one of our top priorities".
NSDC Secretary stressed that recently Armed Forces of Ukraine have considerably enhanced their panzer potential thanks to new tanks, armored personnel carriers and other armored vehicles.
"In their turn, the Air Forces have received modernized planes", - he noted, adding that, despite the very difficult economic situation, the Navy for the first time gets two armored artillery boats "which by their characteristics meet the best standards of marine vessels of this class".
Today we are putting one of these combatant boats afloat. Solid armor and powerful weapons are combined in it with the maneuverability and speed", - he said.
Oleksandr Turchynov also explained that the main task for boats of this class is to protect the maritime borders of our country: "We must protect Ukraine not only on land and in the skies, but at the sea too".
"I want to note that, according to the rearmament plan, the start of deliveries of boats of this class should have taken place yet 10 years ago. But those, who had deliberately ruined our defense and security sector, had frozen also this important for the defense of Ukraine project", - he said, stressing that now the construction of these warships has been resumed that will significantly enhance the coastal defense of the country at the areas with the risk of amphibious assault.
"This is a very serious step towards restoring the combat potential of Ukrainian Naval Forces", - NSDC Secretary concluded.