Yesterday at 20:06
Photos President Zelensky Press Office
Ukrainians are waiting for proper reaction of the law enforcement agencies to plundering in the defense-industrial complex. It was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during the National Security and Defense Council, NSDC, session on the implementation of measures to increase the efficiency of the use of budget funds in the defense and security sector, and decisions adopted regarding the development of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex.
“When we were watching journalistic investigations into corruption in the defense sector, our fighters and their relatives were watching them with us. If the violations discovered cause our incredible indignation, let’s try to feel their reaction to that. I will look at this situation through the eyes of those who defend Ukraine,” he said.
According to Zelensky, those who plundered the military must be punished.
“These people must be held accountable, and in no case can we allow the repeat of this disgrace to our army,” Zelensky said.
He stated that the sphere of defense procurement was not reformed, being least transparent among all.
“Politicians earned money at the enterprises they personally owned, covering up abuses, and hindering the law enforcement agencies in the investigation of such violations. This is a vicious circle we must break,” Zelensky emphasized.
According to him, it is necessary to increase transparency of defense procurement; however, secrecy should remain where it is required.
“Our goal is to improve the system of democratic civilian control, increase the controlling role of parliament, cooperate with NGOs, form effective procedures and effective institutions, observe the legislation,” he said.
Zelensky also noted the activation of some law enforcement agencies in this area.
“Justice and effective use of funds is our goal, but most importantly, we must save lives of our warriors,” he stressed.
The meeting was chaired by Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko, Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov, Minister of Finance Oksana Markarova, Chief of the General Staff – Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ruslan Khomchak, Acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Ivan Bakanov and other representatives of law enforcement agencies.
Zelensky heard the reports on the progress of reforming the defense-industrial complex.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the existing problems and the results of the investigation into plundering of budget funds and corruption schemes existing in the defense-industrial complex.
Zelensky tasked the participants of the meeting to provide Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Danyliuk with proposals within seven days from the meeting held on June 27, 2019.
