President Poroshenko signs decree allowing Ukrainian Armed Forces to buy arms directly from foreign manufacturers
The President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko signed the decree enabling the Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the General Staff to purchase arms directly from foreign manufacturers, as reported on the President's website.
The law enables Ukraine to purchase weapons which NATO partners are ready to supply. “Today the opportunities for effective purchases abroad are increasing... The Armed Forces have been waiting for this for a long time,” Poroshenko said.
In July, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov stated that Poroshenko approved the decision of the National Security and Defense Council allowing to stop using intermediary suppliers for arms purchases.
Following this decision, the government was expected to develop and introduce to the Verkhovna Rada the bill which would allow to conclude contracts directly with international arms producers.
In March 2018, Ukraine and Russia terminated their agreement on mutual supply of arms that was first established in 1995.