The decision of the National Security and Defense Council on importing weapons took effect on Tuesday. The press service of the Ukrainian president reported this, saying that the control over this decision lies within the responsibility of Oleksandr Turchynov, the Secretary of the National Security Council (NSDC).
The decision 'On the Improvement of the State Policy in Provision of Ukraine's Armed Forces and other armed formations with the defense products produced abroad' lets Ukrainian defense enterprises export their products without the mediation of the state-run companies.
'The document destroys the long-lasting monopoly of governmental exporters; under the decision of the NSDC, Ukrainian producers of the defense products, weapons and vehicles have the right to export their own products without any mediators', Turchynov said.
As for the import, he said that under the decision of the NSDC, it is now accessible to defense industry complexes, despite their form of government - when it comes to purchasing equipment and military products for the needs of domestic production. Private enterprises, which have direct dealer contracts with foreign manufacturers enjoy the right for import, too, Turchynov said. He also added that Ukraine's Defense Ministry may purchase weapons and vehicles abroad, as long as it's foreseen by the government contract, and respective products are not manufactured in Ukraine.