Ukraine’s Defense Minister says military budget must be doubledDecember 13, 2014 - 21:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukraine must double its military budget next year to $3bn to fund the fight against pro-Russian forces, the Defense Minister has said, according to BBC News. Stepan Poltorak told parliament that this figure included an extra $110mln for buying weapons abroad. He also said the armed forces would have to conscript more soldiers. More than 4,000 people have been killed and almost a million displaced in the eight-month conflict. Ukraine and NATO countries have accused Russia of sending weapons and soldiers to aid the militias - a charge Russia denies. Poltorak told parliament on Friday, Dec 12, that the extra money was needed to buy better equipment for the military. The number of soldiers serving in the east of the country would also have to be increased from 232,000 at present to 250,000 next year, he said. He said the government planned to increase the number of conscripts as well as professional soldiers. The annual budget is expected to be passed before the end of the year. On Thursday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said his country would have to increase defense expenditure at the cost of slashing social payments. He also called for an international donor conference to help Ukraine avoid defaulting on its debts. The International Monetary Fund has warned that Ukraine faces a $15bn budget shortfall next year. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. EU still discussing funding Armenia through European Peace Facility Discussions continue in the EU on providing Armenia with funds from the European Peace Facility, Vassilis Maragos says. |