Ukrainians are waiting for proper reaction of the law enforcement agencies to plundering in the defense-industrial complex – President
"Justice and effective use of funds is our goal, but most importantly, we must save lives of our warriors," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
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 Zelenskyy during the 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 the Head of State, those who plundered the army must be punished.
“These people must be held accountable, and in no case can we allow the repeat of this disgrace to our army,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President 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,” the Head of State emphasized.
According to the President, it is necessary to increase transparency of defense procurement, secrecy should remain where it is expedient.
“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.
The Head of State 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,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy 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. Volodymyr Zelenskyy 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.
The Head of State commissioned the participants of the meeting to provide Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Danyliuk with proposals following the results of today’s meeting within seven days.
