You're reading: Poroshenko says Ukrainian military will increase number of contract soldiers

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has said during a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) dedicated to the military doctrine of Ukraine that the country will increase the number of its contract soldiers.

“We’ll increase the contract component [of army] and respective instructions have been given by me to the leadership of Defense Ministry and the General Headquarters [of the armed forces]. I guess that this is a strategic move towards reforming Ukrainian troops,” Poroshenko said on Wednesday.

He said that he was especially referring to units serving in high-risk areas not far from the border which will be given expensive training to carry out special tasks.

However, Poroshenko said that “in any case conscription will be preserved,” adding that the system is necessary given the continuing threat of Russia.

“Unfortunately, a military threat from the east [of the country] is a visible prospect for dozens of years. Every new generation must have army experience. And one could get it if only challenge severe military school,” he said.

Poroshenko added that the Ukrainian military will meet NATO standards by 2020.