In a few years, Ukraine has become a leader in building a digital state. This was emphasised by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during the presentation of the Army+ app. The event took place on 8 August with the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“We have implemented the President’s initiative and launched a unique tool – Diia. It is now used by 20 million Ukrainians. There are more than 130 online services, more than 70 of which were launched during the full-scale war. Instead of bureaucracy, just a few clicks to get the service you need. Minimum time and effort, maximum convenience,” the Head of Government stressed.

According to the Prime Minister, digitalisation covers all areas. And, of course, it should cover the army.

“Digitalisation is part of the modernisation of our Defence Forces. The paper-based army, where bureaucracy takes up most of the time, must become a thing of the past. To serve means to be in the right place, to be effective and efficient. And to that end, our defenders should be freed from unnecessary burdens so that they can concentrate on what really matters,” said Denys Shmyhal.

The Head of Government noted that Army+ was a kind of Diia for the military, created by the military with the needs of the military in mind. The app is now fully integrated into the legal framework of Ukraine.

The Prime Minister reminded that on 30 July this year, the Government had regulated the operation of this electronic tool by a separate resolution. That is, the services are already starting to function and can be used by the military.

“Two basic functions are being launched: a military ID and electronic reports. This is what is needed first. Next, we are creating an ecosystem of public services for the needs of the military. This is just the beginning. Just like Diia, Army+ will gradually increase its functionality. We will transfer the entire document flow in the army and related civilian institutions into electronic format,” said Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister thanked the teams of the Ministry of Defence and the Centre for Scaling Technological Solutions under the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for creating a revolutionary product for the army.

“The military should not spend days queuing in offices. The military should not wait for months for a response to their requests, comments or suggestions. The military should not spend all their time on paperwork. That is not what the modern army is about. It is about fast and effective interaction of all units and elements, clear subordination and at the same time responding to the requests and needs of service members,” the Head of Government stressed.