Kyiv, 12 March 2014 – National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has developed a draft law on the National Guard of Ukraine, said Andriy Parubiy, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine during a press briefing at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center.
“Tomorrow a bill to create the National Guard of Ukraine will be put to vote and, hopefully, supported by the Parliament”, Mr. Parubiy said. The functions of the National Guard will include ensuring state security, protection of the state border, and combating terror and criminal organizations.
According to Parubiy, as of today, Ukraine’s military enlistment offices have registered 40,000 volunteers. 20,000 people will be enrolled in the National Guard. The Guard will be partially created on the basis of Ukraine’s Internal Troops. Volunteers of the Maidan Self-Defense will also join the National Guard.
“Maidan Self-Defense and activists will start training as early as tomorrow”, added Parubiy. “After the law has been passed, they will be able to join the National Guard.”
