Defense capability and security of Ukrainian citizens are top priorities for Ukraine's government this year – PM
Photo: Government portal
The top priority of the Ukrainian Government Plan for 2024 remains unchanged, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
He stated during the Cabinet meeting on Friday that this includes defense capability and security for Ukrainian citizens as part of the "Ukrainian Shield" program, Rubryka reports.
"All internal resources are directed toward strengthening defense — more weapons and equipment, more drones, more missiles, more ammunition, equipped defense lines," said the Ukrainian prime minister. "The important tasks include localizing production and repair of weapons and equipment and creating a special regime for defense enterprises, benefits, and state guarantees."
The government will also focus on the private sector, new technologies, and developments. At least 200 people will increase the units and sappers of the State Emergency Service in humanitarian demining.
"We are creating a humanitarian demining market. We will compensate for the costs of demining agricultural land. The first demining machines should be created in Ukraine this year. The number of operators should increase by at least 10%," said Shmyhal.
As for cooperation with NATO, Prime Minister Shmyhal said Ukraine prioritized systemic changes and alliance standards — from procurement to management.
"Public security. We are enhancing it at all levels. We continue to build shelters. One hundred twenty communities will have safety specialists in the educational environment. An emergency assistance system for the population will operate throughout Ukraine," said the PM.
The second priority of the Government's Action Plan for 2024 is the European integration of Ukraine. The prime minister stressed that the country had come a long way, starting negotiations on accession and receiving €50 billion as part of a four-year program.
"We will form a Ukrainian team for accession negotiations early this year. We are preparing the national program to adapt Ukrainian legislation to EU law. We are working on extending the economic and transport 'visa-free' regimes. We are preparing conditions to sign industrial and roaming 'visa-free' regimes with the EU," said the head of the government.
Ukraine is also developing a project for joint border crossing points with European neighbors.
