Underfunding of Ukrainian army could lead to irreparable consequences – MP Friz

Chair of Ukraine's Permanent Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, MP Iryna Friz (BPP) has expressed support for defense minister Stepan Poltorak's appeal on the need to ensure full financing of the defense sector in line with the current Law on National Security, namely, at 3% of GDP.

"I hope that the attempt to lay in the budget the underfunding of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is purely managerial shortsightedness, which might as well be a result of the 2019 election turbulence. Unfortunately, underestimating the risks and threats could lead to irreparable consequences for the state," she wrote on Facebook.

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According to MP Friz, Ukraine must not take into account any arguments in favor of cutting defense spending against the background of the Kremlin's military aggression against Ukraine.

The official also considers it appropriate to raise the issue of increasing payments to contracted servicemen who are skilled specialists in most-demanded areas for the Army.

"The Cabinet must hear the needs of the defense ministry, as before 2014, we had already seen the practice of defense budget funds being re-allocated for other needs. As a result, we have [the occupation of] Crimea and the occupied areas in Donbas," the MP said.

The government should thoroughly look into the defense ministry's proposals, Friz believes, stating that "those who fail to finance their own army will soon feed someone else's."