Mykhailo Koval: The draft law on territorial defense provides for a number of innovations according to the imperative of our time

The draft law on the organization and conduct of territorial defense, developed by an interagency working group to prepare proposals for strengthening the state’s defense capabilities, taking into account the experience gained by Ukraine over seven years of Russia’s hybrid aggression and the experience of NATO member states, provides for reforming territorial defense forces in according to the imperative of our time.

First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Colonel-General Mykhailo Koval stressed this in his speech at the third session of the All-Ukrainian Forum “Ukraine 30. National Security”.

According to him, in particular, the territorial defense troops are proposed to be “strengthened by 10 000 people”.

The First Deputy NSDC Secretary reported that the draft law provides for the introduction of an effective territorial defense management system, which will take into account the construction of a national command and control system and decentralization measures, and will correlate with the joint defense command and control system.

The structure of territorial defense, said Mr. Koval, will consist of military and civil components – public (voluntary) units. “The volunteer component is very important. Due to the new territorial division, new districts and territorial communities have appeared, and they will form their own volunteer units, - he noticed. - These units will be part of the unified command and control system, a unified personnel training system”.

According to the First Deputy NSDC Secretary, the draft law also regulates the use of weapons, military equipment, and special means while performing territorial defense tasks.

It is expected that the draft law will be submitted to the relevant parliamentary committee in the nearest time.