“We’ll increase the contract component [of army] and respective instructions have been given by me to the leadership of Defense Ministry and the General Headquarters [of the armed forces]. I guess that this is a strategic move towards reforming Ukrainian troops,” Poroshenko said on Wednesday.

He said that he was especially referring to units serving in high-risk areas not far from the border which will be given expensive training to carry out special tasks.

However, Poroshenko said that “in any case conscription will be preserved,” adding that the system is necessary given the continuing threat of Russia.

“Unfortunately, a military threat from the east [of the country] is a visible prospect for dozens of years. Every new generation must have army experience. And one could get it if only challenge severe military school,” he said.

Advertisement

Poroshenko added that the Ukrainian military will meet NATO standards by 2020.

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter