Turchynov supports unblocking of weapon supplies to Ukraine to prevent possible further aggression

National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov has said that all restrictions on military and technical cooperation between Ukraine and the West should be lifted, including weapon supplies.

"The actions of Russia fully undervalued the collective security system in Europe which showed its absolute inefficiency. Ukraine that abandoned nuclear weapons has actually been left face to face with the aggressor. Yes, we have moral and financial support. The IMF is cooperating with us, although you know what tough requirements they have. However, why are weapon supplies still blocked?" he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Turchynov said that the restrictions imposed on Ukraine are due to a desire "not to tease Putin."

"On the contrary, he is teased by the fact that we do not receive high-accuracy lethal armaments and modern military technologies… The factor of peace in Europe could be only the powerful Ukrainian army which is ready to stop promotion of Putin to the West, and all global politicians should understand this," he said.

He said that Ukraine should start using its own forces to develop its defense and industrial complex very quickly, conduct serious reform of the security sector, create one of the strongest armies in Europe, and switch to NATO standards.

Turchynov added that the supply of weapons is a long and comprehensive technological process which is carried out under strict international control.

"All stages require passing complicated permit procedures. Weapons are to be loaded, dispatched, accepted and the main thing – people who are able to use if effectively should be trained. This is work not for one day. When the active phase of confrontation begins, time is counted by hours and days, not months and years. We're trying to bring this to our partners. Weapons are required before the start of active war, not after it!" Turchynov said.