Why are Ukraine's armed forces so ineffective?

May 30, 2014 00:22

In October 2012, Yuri Syrotyuk, a Ukrainian parliament member, stood up in a security and defense committee meeting to announce that if Ukraine didn't reverse the trend of deterioration in its military and change its defense strategy, "we're going to see Russian troops on our soil within a year."

Syrotyuk's colleagues from the opposition Svoboda party, nodded along in agreement but were helpless to respond. Then President Viktor Yanukovych was still in charge, and his ruling Party of Regions paid little mind to minority dissent. Mr. Yanukovych thought a weaker military was just fine for Ukraine, shifting spending towards interior ministry forces which he had more direct control over, and arguing that Russia was a close friend who could provide security if the need arose.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Hardik and Mumbai Indians' problems continue to grow

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya has been fined Rs 30 lakh and suspended from his team's opening match of the next edition of the Indian Premier League for slow over-rate offence for the third time in the competition.

5th Phase: How Many Women Candidates?

Of the 695 candidates in the fray, 88.2 per cent or 613 candidates are male candidates.

Maliwal alleges CCTV tampering, cops collect data

As the probe intensified in the Aam Aadmi Party MP Swati Maliwal assault case, as per sources Delhi Police Forensic Science Laboratory team reached Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence and collected a dump of CCTV cameras.

Sobhita Chills In Cannes

The gorgeous Sobhita Dhulipala makes her debut at Cannes, and she makes sure to share pictures on social media.

Jarry stuns Paul, sets up Italian Open final against Zverev

Chilean 21st seed Nicolas Jarry outclassed American Tommy Paul 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 to reach the Italian Open on Friday as former champion Alexander Zverev recovered from a slow start to beat Chilean Alejandro Tabilo 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-2.