Ukraine should spend up to 5% of GDP on national security, defense - PM Yatsenyuk
KYIV. Dec 9 (Interfax) - Ukraine should spend up to 5% of its GDP on strengthening its national security and defense, Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk said.
"Up to 5% of GDP should be appropriated for national security, defense, and law enforcement activities," Yatsenyuk said in presenting a Cabinet program at a government meeting on Tuesday.
The government intends to take this indicator into account in drawing up the 2015 national budget.
Yatsenyuk also stressed the importance of developing the defense industry. "On the one hand, it's what will help us rearm the Ukrainian army, and on the other, provide an incentive for Ukrainian economy growth," he said.
In particular, the matter involves efforts to improve the efficiency of the Ukroboronprom companies, broader military-technological cooperation with Western partners, and the signature of relevant agreements, Yatsenyuk said.