РНБОУ National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

Oleksandr Turchynov: The Ukrainian army is one of the most combat-capable in Europe

The Ukrainian army is one of the best in Europe in fighting capability and the ability to solve combat tasks. This was stated by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov in an interview with "LigaBusinessInform" information agency.

"Today, we have a strong efficient army. We might not have the most modern weapons. For instance, much less money is allocated to a single soldier than in the NATO countries, - Mr. Turchynov said. - But I am convinced that by the ability to solve combat tasks the Ukrainian army is one of the best in Europe".

At the same time, Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine stressed that today the main thing is "to go the extra mile". "We still have a lot of problems and shortcomings, a strong and cruel enemy confronts us. We cannot afford to slow down, calm down and relax", - he noticed because "the war does not forgive arrogance, the loss of vigilance and underestimation of the enemy". "Therefore, we still have a lot to do for the Ukrainian army to transform from one of the most combat-capable to one of the best and the strongest", - he concluded.

Oleksandr Turchynov also stated that in 2014, Ukrainian patriots did not allow to implement a scenario according to which our country was planned to be actually made Moscow's colony. "Thanks to the courage and responsibility of Ukrainians, we managed to survive and stop a much stronger enemy. Moreover, we were able to free a significant part of the occupied territories. And today, we are creating a defensive capability that will allow us to protect the country and completely clear it from the occupiers", - he said.

According to Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine, to release the occupied territories, we should strengthen the Armed Forces, provide them with modern equipment and powerful weapons, systematically strengthen the entire spectrum of security and defense, and develop economy dynamically.