Ukraine, Western partners should set up common security system in Europe - National Security, Defense Council secretary

Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary, Oleksandr Turchynov, believes Kyiv and its Western partners should set up a common comprehensive security system in Europe, which should integrate missile and air defense systems.

"This is a complicated issue. I spoke of possible consultations on the matter when Russia started preparing to deploy offensive weapons in Crimea, including those capable of carrying nuclear warheads. I insisted that this is not only Ukraine's problem, but also a problem for Europe and the entire civilized world, and therefore, Ukraine cannot oppose this very dangerous process on its own," Turchynov said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Ukraine voluntarily gave up one of the most powerful nuclear arsenals in the world, Turchynov said. "And when someone plans to deploy nuclear weapons in an occupied territory, this is a very serious challenge. This is precisely why I believe a security system in Europe should be not formal but efficient. This should include a reliable missile defense system, with Ukraine as its component," Turchynov said.

"There is a need for a common missile defense system in Europe, which would protect both our country and the whole of Europe. An Eastern Wall impenetrable to aircraft and missiles, and also impenetrable to ground vehicles, should be set up. It should run from Norway through Ukraine and to Turkey. Call this system not a missile defense system but, for instance, a European security system or an Eastern Wall. What matters is not the name, but the essence," he said.

Turchynov said he has been trying to raise awareness about this position at all international negotiations. "I can't say it is always taken with understanding, but increasingly more politicians and military officials have been thinking about this, especially in the wake of the events in Syria," he said.