Confirming the Course

On April 14 a joint session of the NATO Political and Military-Political Steering Committees with Ukraine-NATO Military Reform Working Group took place at NATO Headquarters. The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Defense Minister Yevhen Marchuk. The head of the Defense Ministry presented the participants a draft Strategic Defense Bulletin for the period to 2015. This document presents a so-called white book evaluating the condition of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and determines the directions for reforming them in the period to 2015. The Defense Ministry states, “The Strategic Defense Bulletin is a step toward implementation of the intentions for European and Euro-Atlantic integration declared by Ukraine.” An important element of this document is detailed forecasts on defense expenses. In part, in 2015 defense expenditures are to be UAH 17.186 billion compared to this year’s UAH 5.658 billion. In addition, the document anticipates reducing Ukraine’s Armed Forces from 355,000 to 200,000 by 2006 with further reductions by 2015. Deputy Head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Headquarters Leonid HOLOPATIUK told The Day about the results of the document’s presentation by phone from Brussels:

“The participants in the meeting took special note of the fact that they received open and transparent materials. NATO representatives confirmed that the very format of this meeting was unprecedented: for the first time in the alliance’s history the meeting was held by the NATO Political and Military-Political Steering Committees and the Ukraine-NATO Military Reform Working Group on such a high level. Our delegation enjoyed absolute support, getting very positive feedback. Simultaneously, professional issues were touched upon, dealing with the implementation of our plans for the military reform, namely, its financial and resource provisions. Our work was highly evaluated by representatives of the United States, Poland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, and Turkey. Everyone was impressed with the Ukrainian experts’ analysis. The alliance countries’ representatives said that with this step Ukraine has confirmed its commitment to its Euro-Atlantic course. They also received positively the fact that we have calculated in detail the consequences of the military reform. Our delegation was able to give clear explanations with examples regarding social guarantees and also Ukraine’s plans for liquidating military equipment and ammunition. There were also questions about democratic control. The meeting participants viewed positively not only our thoroughly elaborated document but also our reasoned and convincing explanations. They stressed that it was the first time that Ukraine has sent such a strong team to the NATO Headquarters: representatives of the Ministry of Defense, General Headquarters, National Security and Defense Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and National Center for Euro-Atlantic Integration. Such a respectable and well— informed delegation is in itself evidence of Ukraine’s dedication to its Euro— Atlantic course. It is important that, rather than criticism, we heard friendly advice demonstrating our common concern about implementing the plans set.”