You're reading: Turchynov wants Ukraine to have ‘strongest army in Europe’

Ukraine needs to create a powerful army and reserves for its Armed Forces, National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said.

“We must have the strongest army in Europe despite economic problems. There is no alternative to this,” Turchynov said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Dec.17.

“Ukraine needs to create a 100,000-strong reserve of its Armed Forces. The reservists will be attached to military units and, whenever necessary, in a period of war, will immediately join the ranks and protect our country,” he said, adding that the formation of a reserve army was a separate issue and a priority of the NSDC.

“Mobilization will help us renew the powerful 100,000-strong reserves,” Turchynov added.

He said that the hostilities in Ukraine would end only after the liberation of all lands in the south and the east.

“Our war will be over only when the entire territory of Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, is free,” Turchynov said.

Oleksandr Turchynov also has said that martial law in Ukraine can be introduced only if there is a necessity.

“If necessary, of course, martial law will be introduced, when there is a real necessity, a real threat,” Turchynov said. 

Turchynov noted that a draft law on the National Security and Defense Council, which was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada at first reading, states that if necessary, the National Security and Defense Council should ensure the creation of the general headquarters.

“Our task, when we are talking about the mobilization of all resources of the country, is also to be ready for the introduction of martial law. We have to be ready for anything,” he said, adding that there is a threat of “a real full-scale continental war.”