Danilov: Increase in security spending is President’s principled position

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov made a corresponding statement, commenting on the approved budget articles on security and defense sector, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Council’s press center.

Security and defense expenditures next year are projected at the level of UAH 267.287,9 million, or 5.93% of GDP at least.

The corresponding target figure for 2020 was 5.45% of GDP.

According to Danilov, the finalization of the budget took into account the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of November 5, 2020 "On proposals to the draft Law of Ukraine ‘On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2021’ on articles related to national security and defense of Ukraine."

By this decision, the Cabinet of Ministers is instructed to take measures to ensure the immediate funding of the activities of the security and defense sector in priority areas in 2021.

Danilov noted that the increase in security and defense spending is a principled position of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on issues of national security.

"Re-equipment of the army, strengthening intelligence capabilities, cybersecurity, support for the domestic defense industry, social protection of servicepersons are among our top priorities," he said.

As reported, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Law of Ukraine "On the State Budget for 2021" on December 15.

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