PM: Gov't allocates about UAH5 bln in advance to purchase new equipment and weapons

Ukraine needs to prepare for the further struggle for peace. Diplomatic efforts undertaken by Ukraine and the whole world need to be backed by military force of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed during an hour of questions to the Government at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Friday, April 24.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk emphasized that according to intelligence data, "is an incredible concentration of manpower and equipment of Russian terrorists": "Russian military aggression is far from being able to stop. Pentagon and NATO released information about significant buildup of Russian troops and Russian military equipment over the last period of time."

He stressed that the Ukrainian authorities have done its utmost for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. At the same time, Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed, "Russia wants no peace": "Russia has not abandoned its plans to destroy and to deprive Ukraine from the European future. We must prepare for the further struggle for peace."

"We believe that the conflict in Donbas should be resolved through full and unconditional fulfillment of the Minsk agreements by the Russian Federation," he emphasized.

At the same time, Arseniy Yatsenyuk emphasized that diplomatic efforts undertaken by Ukraine and the whole world need to be backed by military force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: "To make diplomatic means and methods effective, Ukraine should have a strong army. Thus, it will be easier for diplomats to negotiate."

He reminded that this year the Government had provided funding for the Army at 5.2% of GDP.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk said that the Government had allocated about UAH5 billion in advance to purchase new equipment and weapons, "Any payment, which is proposed by the Ministry of Defence or the General Staff, is not delayed even for a day. We pay off all immediately after receiving payment."

"We call on and appeal to our Western partners to provide the Ukrainian army with help, the Ukrainian army needed weapons in order to defend Ukraine. And our Western partners should hear us. Today Ukraine is fighting not only for itself. We are fighting for peace and stability of the European Union. We are fighting against Russian aggression and peace in the world. We have become a strong nation, and we must show unity, our common will to win and responsibility to the country. And the victory will be ours," the Prime Minister said.