Poroshenko: At the time of aggression Ukraine had 3-5 thousands of combat-capable troops

Last year at the time of the beginning of Russian aggression Ukraine had only 3-5 thousands of combat-capable troops, however, because of getting united Ukrainians could endure and stop the aggressor, said the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko in his speech during the opening of the 8th Kyiv Security Forum organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation. 

“When we tried to estimate the quantity of troops with certain military capabilities that Ukraine could reckon on, the military authorities received a number – from 3 to 5 thousands,” – he said. 

The President mentioned that just a year ago Ukraine had the army that was deliberately destroyed: “Mobilization base was destroyed and liquidated. The most up-to-date armaments were sold abroad according to the orders of the leadership of the defense department, which was directly under Russian command. The system of logistical and administrative support was liquidated as well…”

However, in such circumstances the Ukrainian people began to defend the Homeland, demonstrating ‘unique volunteer movement’. “Up to 80% of Ukraine's population found a way to support the defense of the state in one way or another: some people donated to the special fund of the Ministry of Defense, some became volunteers in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and some people gave the last shirt off for the needs of army”.

Petro Poroshenko underscored that the Ukrainian people could get united and “stop the invasion”: “And not only to stop but to get back the 2/3 of occupied Donbass territories”. However, the regular armed forces of the Russian Federation – “the biggest military machine on the continent with direct combat experience” – entered the battle after that.   

“And even here Ukraine did not fall. We could outstay thanks to our martial spirit, as we began to build the army from the grassroots,” – he said.

For your information:  The annual international event ‘Kyiv Security Forum’, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in 2007 is a platform to discuss the most pressing issues concerning the security in Europe and the Black Sea region. The Forum is aimed at promoting security cooperation between the European Union and the Black Sea Region, raising awareness of the development of security among key players and strengthening the role of independent and non-governmental actors in solving security problems in Europe.