Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, deems necessary to provide Adequate Funding of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the Sake of State Security
At the Friday´s press conference in Odesa, V.Lytvyn characterized the proposals to allocate UAH 57 billion for the Armed Forces in the next year´s budget as inadequate.
V.Lytvyn stressed that "as the whole country, the army can not be held hostage to the conflict between the President and the Prime Minister". The leader of the Parliament believes that the Head of State "has to stop experimenting with the Ukrainian army". "It is the experts who shall head the army, - he explained. It is necessary to demonstrate a governmental approach to the resource base of the Armed Forces".
"Neglected military towns can be found throughout the country. It is necessary to adopt a resolution: either the investors purchase them, or the Ministry of Defence maintains them in a duly way", - stated V.Lytvyn.
He gave an example of Bolhrad air division that "was dissolved and destroyed". "We deprived the Western border of Ukraine of powerful protection. Who will protect it now, taking into account the talks concerning possible territorial claims on Ukraine?" stated the Head of the Parliament.
V.Lytvyn deems necessary to restore and maintain capability of the above-mentioned division, as it will improve socio-economic situation in the region, creating workplaces for the local residents. However, the said issue requires at least UAH 80 million.