Oleksandr Turchynov: The exercises of the National Guard confirmed its readiness to counteract any criminals, terrorists and subverters effectively

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov took part in the tactical exercises of the units of the National Guard of Ukraine.

According to Mr. Turcynov, the National Guard adequately protects the country not only in the east as part of the Joint Forces, "but also reliably defends the peaceful life and comfort of our citizens in all regions of Ukraine, professionally counters internal enemies, criminals, terrorists, and subverters".

"We can say without exaggeration that our National Guard is born of the Revolution - the Revolution of Dignity. It was during the turbulent days of March 2014 that our Guard was created, and many volunteers from Maidan went to protect the country. The guards were among the first to fight and stop the progress of the Russian aggressor in the east", - Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine said adding that in a hybrid war, without the possibility to break through our defense by military means, the enemy tries to utilize its agents, traitors and paid-up provocateurs to destabilize the situation inside the country, wreaking despair, panic, and chaos.

Mr. Turchynov stressed that the National Guard stands against these provocative attempts.

"Today, guards have modern equipment, special means and weapons, and most importantly - a high level of professional training in order to stop any criminals, effectively counteract any attempts of internal destabilization", - he said noting that all this was demonstrated today during the exercises.

Mr. Turchynov emphasized that all special-purpose equipment used by the NGU is certified and used by NATO force units.

The NSDC Secretary also underscored that it is particularly important to ensure public order, reliable protection of our citizens and to counteract any destructive manifestations during the period when presidential and parliamentary election campaigns will be launched.

"Any attempts to disrupt, illegally affect or interfere with the fair, transparent, democratic elections in Ukraine should be severely stopped and punished. Our state can guarantee and ensure the free expression of the will of our citizens!", - he noticed concluding that the key to this is the professional activity of our security structures - "high level of training, courage, resilience and selfless dedication to their country of the servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine!"