The Minister of defence of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak noted the importance of the draft law on national security of the country and hopes that the Verkhovna Rada will be able to take this legislative initiative in the first quarter of this year.

“We are committed to (preferably) the Parliament the law adopted in the first quarter,” – said the head of the defense Ministry in an interview with Ukrainian service “Voice of America”.

He recalled that on January 17 at a meeting of the national security Council and defense of Ukraine has considered and approved the draft law on national security, “which will be soon submitted to the Verkhovna Rada”.

“It clearly identifies all priorities that are consistent with the Strategic defence Bulletin. There’s clear that the new civilian Minister of defense should be from 1 January 2019,” – said S. Poltorak.

Earlier, the Minister of defence of the USA James Mattis (James N . Mattis) noted the priority of the law on national security of Ukraine and urged the authorities to adopt this initiative. “He (…) expressed hope that the presidential administration and the Ukrainian Parliament – the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will take quick steps and take legislation that will provide a solid legal basis for the implementation of the defense reform to support a secure and democratic Ukraine”, – said the head of the Pentagon in a meeting with S. Poltorak.

As reported, on 17 January, the Council approved the draft law “On national security of Ukraine”, which should be the basis for the development and updating of legislation in the sphere of national security and defense. S. Poltorak satisfied with the draft law and noted that it takes into account all the proposals of the Ukrainian defense Ministry.

According to the NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov, the law “On national security of Ukraine” needs to summarize and lead to a common denominator everything is already implemented and planned reforms of the security sector and defense of the country, to unite not only the basic foundations of national security, but also issues of democratic civilian control and planning framework in these areas. “The speedy enactment of this bill should be an important element in the protection of the Ukrainian state and countering Russian aggression”, – he stressed.