Oleksandr Turchynov: Multilayer system of territorial defence guarantees Ukraine’s security in conditions of large-scale military confrontation

The multi-layered system of Territorial Defence, which is being established in Ukraine, is a guarantee and a foundation of our country's security in the context of a large-scale military conflict. This was stated by Oleksandr Turchynov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, when in Goncharivske training area, where "Northern Fortress-2018" territorial defence military exercises took place.

"There is an inscription on the Territorial Defence fighters stripes - "Protect our home, protect Ukraine" - this slogan reflects the essence of the Territorial Defence Concept, which is being developed by the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of Ukraine today," said O.Turchynov, adding that the content of this motto should become a mission for all units and elements of the country's Territorial Defence.

According to the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Territorial Defence brigades and separate reserve units of the National Guard and Border Guard are raised in each region under the General Staff project. "The development of the Territorial Defence system is to provide the transformation of each district and each city into an impregnable fortress in contingency", he stressed, adding that "a strong multi-layered territorial defence is a guarantee of Ukraine security at a time of large-scale military confrontation."

The secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine has stressed that today ATO veterans and young reservists have demonstrated shoulder-to-shoulder their military skills and professionalism during exercises held at Goncharivske training area in Chernihiv region. "I am convinced that in battle conditions they will operate no less efficiently", - added O.Turchynov.

O.Turchynov also noted that the development of the Territorial Defence system allows us to train additional thousands of reservists for our Armed Forces, the National Guard and the Border Troops. "As a result, we are to get an additional powerful half a million strong army capable of defending Ukraine reliably from any aggressor," said O.Turchynov.

He also added that both ATO veterans and young recruits can fulfil themselves in the system of Territorial Defence, "which is an important component of patriotic education."