Today, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi debriefed Chief of the General Staff – Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ruslan Khomchak on the situation in the Armed Forces, the course of their reform and the ways to resolve the problem issues.

Also, the Head of State reviewed and agreed the documents establishing the procedure for the use of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other components of the defence forces. In particular, these documents determine the strategic objectives, tasks, composition of the Armed Forces, other components of the defense forces involved in the defence of the state, their demand for personnel, weapons and military equipment, material and technical means, financial and other resources necessary for the execution of the tasks.

Volodymyr Zelenskyi emphasized the need to increase the intensity of the implementation of defence reform measures.

“I pay special attention to reforming the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the Head of State said and underscored that in 2020, Ukraine would start introducing NATO standards and procedures in the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, primarily in the training of troops (forces).

“This work should not be a simulation. It should become real steps in reforming the Ukrainian army according to the standards of the North Atlantic Alliance. At the same time, we must remember that the main value is a person,” Volodymyr Zelenskyi said.

According to the Head of State, it is necessary to raise the prestige of military service and create all conditions for this. The main thing here is decent and stable money support, housing conditions and the implementation of a package of social support for a serviceman. “Then the profession of a defender will become one of the most prestigious in the country,” the President said.

Also, the Head of State emphasized the need to ensure proper living conditions of the personnel of all components of the security and defence sector in the area of JFO.

“Saving lives and health of the personnel should become a top priority of the commanders of all levels. It is reasonable to give the commanders of all levels the maximum initiative and authority in making decisions with clear responsibility for the results of their implementation,” Volodymyr Zelenskyi noted.