National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
Oleksiy Danilov: Our priority is the production of high-precision weapons
Ukraine will for sure win the war waged by the Russian Federation. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov stated during a live broadcast with Washington “Quest for Mature Nation Statehood”, organized by the Center for US-Ukrainian Relations, the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America and the American Foreign Policy Council.
Mr. Danilov analyzed the current security situation in Eastern Europe, noticing, in particular, that the post-election situation in Belarus is a challenge for Ukraine given the Russian factor.
Speaking about the current state of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Mr. Danilov stressed that they have become “much stronger and well-armed” compared to what the army was like at the beginning of the Russian aggression, and are gradually approaching the NATO standards.
Today, at least 5% of GDP is allocated for defense needs, he said. In particular, the amount of funding for the security and defense sector of Ukraine planned in the draft budget for 2021 is 5,93% of GDP. “If the Russian Federation suddenly decides to escalate, it will get a strong rebuff”, - the NSDC Secretary said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the international partners for providing Ukraine with comprehensive security assistance. “An important event has taken place this year - Ukraine has become a member of NATO's Enhanced Opportunities Program”, - Mr. Danilov said. - This is evidence of support for our actions”. “Together with international partners, we are building a modern, powerful army”, - the NSDC Secretary added.
He reminded the National Security Strategy approved by the Decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 14 this year, defines Ukraine’s full membership in the European Union and NATO as priorities of Ukraine’s national interests and national security.
Among the priorities of state policy, the NSDC Secretary also called the reform of the defense-industrial complex “with maximum corporatization and involvement of NATO countries in joint arms production in Ukraine”.
“We are closely following the ongoing conflicts and understand that our priority is the production of high-precision weapons in the fight against the occupier”, - Mr. Danilov pointed out.