Over the past several months the number of the Russian armed forces on the border with Ukraine has increased from 26 to 29 battalion tactical groups, RF has increased intelligence activities in Crimea, there are plans on situation destabilization within Ukraine. The latest Russian aggression in the Kerch Strait proves that the Russian Federation does not refuse its aggressive policy against Ukraine. Russia does not want to accept the Ukrainian aspirations to join the NATO, the European Union, it does not want the Ukrainians to live in prosperity and happiness and follow their path. Our task is to be strong, united and prolong activities. Minister of Defence of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak stressed it during ceremonial events at the Ministry of Defence on the eve of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to him, the defence industry has shifted its work along with the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces of Ukraine in order to increase the air defence potential of Ukraine.

Testing of anti-ship missile Neptun have successfully completed in the south of Ukraine. We are implementing changes and we move forward, Stepan Poltorak said.

The head of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine remarked that for the fifth year in a row service members have been celebrating the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine when fellow brother-in-arms, every officer, soldier does everything to defend the state borders, repel the armed aggression against Ukraine.

We are under attack. And we need to defend ourselves; this is our right to defend our country. We have the right to take any decision about the necessity of the martial law. Over these days the Armed Forces have demonstrated their capacity and capability, primarily to respond quickly to the challenges, he stressed.

Stepan Poltorak underscored that currently a number of measures are being taken to be ready to meet any “surprises” in the future.