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UKRAINE: Defense Minister Colonel General Michael Smith "The army is able to resist the aggressor"
http://www.mil.gov.ua/ ^ | 29.04.2014 13:56 | Olga Vaulin

Posted on 05/06/2014 8:06:35 AM PDT by UMCRevMom@aol.com

TRANSLATION: Country for several months living in a state of escalating foreign aggression. Aggression non-standard which came from which was not expected ... Now she goes to the East of our country. However , inadvertently , somehow, it all feel Ukrainian . Will we survive and maintain unity in this militarized Curiosities , the directors of which are yesterday's " good neighbors " depends primarily on us. However, to protect the state and the people of the aggressor army has . As far as it is able to fulfill today that its direct function , "Voice of Ukraine " tried to find out from within . about. Minister of Defence of Ukraine , Colonel General Mikhail Koval.

- The Armed Forces of Ukraine are involved in anti-terrorist operations in the east. Which they are entrusted with ?

- Military connected parts that are involved in anti-terrorist operations within the detection and neutralization of separatist groups, quite confidently perform tasks. There are dozens of examples of this. Since April 24, there was a peak when Russian units are very close to our national border. At the same time actively operated their aircraft : aircraft were clearly on the border line. Those maneuvers - and demonstration focused on how to make leadership abandon the ATO . These actions Russians were stopped. This operation is not stopped.

Note : we have to carry it into populated areas. Terrorists hide behind the shield of living - women and children. And military commanders and special forces SBU Natshvardiyi well aware that in addition to the task to destroy the militants are also responsible for the safety of our citizens - in their lives , housing, for what is happening in the occupied territory by terrorists . Because everything is done most carefully, so as not to harm civilians. The situation is very difficult. And our men and commanders - great responsibility.

- Mr. Michael, how would you rate the coordination between law enforcement agencies involved in the ATO ?

- Coordination goes up to the mark . It is well planned and in the power and negotiation options. This interaction was clearly organized, when the ETC was appointed as head of Lieutenant-General Vasily Krutova . All questions work out together. At the headquarters of the ATO each structure receives clear objectives that meet current legislation. For example, in units of the Armed Forces assigned lock area , where the active phase of the operation. Other actions and conducts Natshvardiya special unit "Alfa" .

- Why do you think it is the same event sometimes fed by officials and the media in different ways ?

- You and I can look at a single event is not the same. I - as a soldier, you - as a journalist. I appreciate the information specialist, who knows how they should perform their tasks soldiers. Many times there have been cases when you see the situation firsthand , and it is treated in the media distorted . Some representatives of the fourth estate , unfortunately, fulfill political order. And in the fierce information war criminals can do with the hero, and vice versa ... For example , you can write : soldier surrendered , not to hurt civilians . And you can say that he betrayed the oath .

- The course of events in eastern Ukraine on the Crimean similar scenario?

- No. It is war that was imposed on us . War nonstandard, nonclassical . In Crimea, Ukrainian military did not use weapons. Now they were ordered : in case of danger to the civilian population or to the most soldiers use all the tools that are available in the arsenal . I bow my head in front of our soldiers in the Crimea, where they resisted the invaders with his bare hands . But Pays tribute to the soldiers in the east who use weapons - professionally , aiming not to hit civilians and their property .

Remember when one of the military units in Kramatorske blocked by local people ? And then behind civilians were armed extremists and seized BMD . Frankly, reservists were shocked because never acted in such conditions. Now the MoD clearly predicts development. Understanding what happens. In some respects, we are pioneers. For example, for the first time faced with a situation where our citizens to prevent the actions of our troops , Ukrainian territories. But there was another act - when the soldier surrounded by separatists tore check with grenades and shouted: " Do as I do !" They still came out of the ring ...

Concludes the paper. All take into account. Today MAT stand " on the wing ". If following our units , which are now, were in the Crimea peninsula defended like. Then our military had the impression that they have forgotten. And we have to talk about it. Now soldiers completely different mood : they believe in themselves and in the state. I am proud of our army ! She survived the bad times neglect, artificial destruction and is alive. Despite everything that had to go through the army , now it is efficient , patriotic and ready to defend its people and sovereignty of Ukraine , ready to repel any aggressor who posyahne its territory .

- Have taken measures to protect strategic assets ?

- Yes , they are protected. Last week, armed separatists tried to seize military stores Artemivsk . To support small unit that was guarding this base storage were caused by another special units of the military service law . Sturm repulsed . In addition, we strengthened the base unit of this highly mobile airborne troops who are willing to act in unusual circumstances. We have in these areas and reserves that helicopters are ready to quickly arrive at the reinforcement.

Separatists this place was chosen not for nothing . It is very populous , which limits the ability to counter. Fire could lead to 10-15 meters ahead. Above, below - no. For the people living there , including families of our soldiers.

- You hold office for the head of the defense department for a month. How increased combat capability of the Armed Forces at the time?

- In this difficult time for the Ukrainian people and our state armed forces have done a great job. Sure, the story of her appreciate. Those who carried out the annexation of the Crimea, who is hrymaye arms on the eastern border and hoped that our army is demoralized , it will not work even with their military bases, units from the western regions will have to replace the east, which would drive for new provocations and speculation . It did not. Military and political leadership together with the Parliament , which is made ​​necessary as required by the situation changes in the legal and regulatory framework, able to hold a partial mobilization and display all connections and parts in the area of destination. Today, all kinds of Armed Forces are ready to repel any aggression . Every hour , every minute playing for us. Our army is getting stronger every second .

The Armed Forces are ready for the worst option. If so, they will be able to respond to any challenge . I declare as law enforcement officials, both . about. Minister of Defense: Ukrainian army able to adequately resist the aggressor.

- How is the partial mobilization of the ranks of the Armed Forces ? Is it justified in this period ? When the soldiers that have served their time, go home ?

- 99 % of our reservists - mature men who have experience and truly love their country. Watching them in the first tank brigade in Chernihiv and other departments. They demonstrate professionalism and high moral character . Could not even see the difference : where contractors and where reservists . Unfortunately , there is 1 % of those who did not understand the situation and is not ready to defend the country in a difficult time. The percentage of the army immediately removed. It will replace the true patriots .

Thank Ukrainian , men aged 55-70 years. We get tens of thousands of applications from those who have gone through the Afghan war, he participated in peacekeeping missions who are willing to take up arms and defend the country. It is very powerful reserve. We reiterate: now focus on mature men , not on beardless yun .

As for demobilization. The planned number of events (some have secret character ), which will prepare a contract and before September to replace them who served the prescribed period, and those who came to the partial mobilization, and send to " hrazhdanku ." This will keep the armed forces at a high level of combat capability . By the way , now and reservists and reserve officers receive decent wages, such as in military personnel , allowing them to maintain a family.

- On what basis should be provided with the Armed Forces of Ukraine , taking into account the threats that have emerged ? Is there a need to " revive " military service ?

- Reckless policy of transition to contract showed up negative consequences resulted , especially in Crimea. If there were strokovyky , it might have been otherwise. In the same six team in transshipment is contracted from Feodosia where he has family, home, I , of course , all his ideas - how to stay there . The effects of the policy analysis to further avoid such errors. Not yet created a really good base for training contract . They have held various levels of training and getting certified diploma as a vocational school . Then work with a specialization in the army under the contract , such as a driver . However, the Ministry of Defence has contracted to a number of obligations which, unfortunately, are not met.

The army must be professional. From contract system should not give up . This is the future of the Armed Forces of the State. But while the army , in practice this is not ready ...

As for reservists. Their use in certain types of VSU gave merit. And this is not vidmovlyatymemosya . Reservists with the right approach will make a strong potential for Ukrainian army: in peacetime they work , provide for their families , and when the trumpet will play these trained people join the ranks of the army and are ready to do the job as intended.

- The media got a lot of complaints about how distribute the money raised to the needs of the army people ...

- Personally concerned about this issue. This is money from the public , and can not prevent any misuse them. While they do not spend . But all the procedures performed . They shall come to purchase helmets, bullet-proof vests and sleeping bags. First, the cost of body armor discussed at 4 000. Then bring in the paper , and there are equivalent in 5200. Was found in 1200 " thrown " back to protect the neck and crotch. That price list I rejected , leaving a bulletproof vest with these applications. It is domestic production, but discusses purchase these remedies directly from suppliers overseas. Believe me, every penny of the money is accountable to the people.

, "Voice of Ukraine ".


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: military; ukraine

1 posted on 05/06/2014 8:06:35 AM PDT by UMCRevMom@aol.com
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To: UMCRevMom@aol.com
(Ukrainian) "Defense Minister Colonel General Michael Smith" -- An American? ... Interesting....
2 posted on 05/06/2014 8:13:23 AM PDT by mvonfr
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