The topmost priority on the agenda of the Government in 2023 is the support of the army, maintaining defense and security, announced Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at a session of the Government on January 3.
“This year, we will allocate half of the budget to provide everything our Armed Forces need. All taxes paid by citizens and businesses will go to defense and security. Our army will become even stronger. We will accelerate new programs of production and procurement of weapons and equipment,” accentuated the Head of Government in a statement.
At the same time, in 2023, Ukraine will be actively creating a security infrastructure. This is an extensive network of modern equipped shelters within walking distance, the Prime Minister has noted.
In particular, the Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a decision to improve the design of buildings. The Government officials determined the list of facilities, the construction of which must include shelters and other elements of protection. These are educational institutions, hospitals, residential and public buildings, critical infrastructure facilities.
According to the Prime Minister, among other priorities is Ukraine’s integration into the EU and NATO. Keeping in mind the launch of negotiations in the European Union, the CMU plans to develop a position on all 35 sections of the future Membership Agreement.
“The next NATO summit will be held in July in Vilnius. We have started preparing for it already. We strive to consolidate Ukraine’s place in the transatlantic security system. The Ukrainian army directly on the battlefield is switching to NATO standards. We are already using NATO principles of strategic planning, education, training of personnel and units, warfare. Thanks to this, apart from succeeding in deterring the enemy, we are liberating the territories captured by it,” emphasized Denys Shmyhal.
The Head of Government added that the veterans’ policy was included in the essential direction of work this year. Inter alia, a Strategy of transition from military service to civilian life and an action plan for its implementation is planned to approve in 2023. It will be based on 4 key needs: economic independence, funds, housing and medical services.
“Our veterans are our pride. And the state will create the best opportunities for them,” stressed Denys Shmyhal. (Government portal/Business World Magazine)