Oleksandr Turchynov: The defense budget for 2018 should ensure financing of the priority tasks of defense and security of the country
Headed by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov, a discussion on the defense budget of Ukraine for 2018 was held.
First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov, Minister of Finance Oleksandr Danilyuk, Minister of Defense Stepan Poltorak, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Hrytsak, heads of the National Guard of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine, intelligence agencies and other law enforcement agencies participated in the discussion.
According to the Secretary the NSDC of Ukraine, the formation of a defense budget takes place under the National Security Strategy of Ukraine "and will be not less than 5% of gross domestic product". "This approach is already an axiom for the budget policy of our state", - he said.
Mr. Turchynov stressed that the defense budget for the next 2018 year would be characterized by realism, "where every single penny planned has a real content".
"Moreover, the NSDC Secretary stressed, - this budget will be distinguished by that its main financing will come from the general fund, which will amount to 156,4 billion hryvnias. The special fund will be formed solely on the basis of proposals from the power ministries and institutions and will amount to around 6,3 billion hryvnias, which means that the total financing must be not less than 162,7 billion hryvnias".
Mr. Turchynov emphasized that when planning the budget, it is necessary to consider the increase in the financial support of our military servicemen. "First of all, this refers to a significant increase in position salaries and salaries for military ranks", - he noted.
Also, the issue of development of the defense industry of Ukraine was discussed during the meeting.
According to the NSDC Secretary, the efficiency of our defense enterprises should be considerably increased. "We need the most advanced weapons, and in this issue, we should primarily count on our strengths", - Oleksandr Turchynov pointed out.
"Therefore, it is necessary to ensure financing of the introduction of the latest technologies and modernization of the leading defense enterprises", - he said adding that the Concept for the Development of Security and Defense Sector of Ukraine provided for such financing at the level of 0,5% of GDP.