The intension of Russia to increase its military budget by over $4 billion is evidence that the Russian leadership is not planning to halt its policy of military escalation and external aggression, and as a result, Ukraine should not cut its defense and security spending, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov has said.

When discussing Russia's plans to actively increase its military potential, Turchynov said that Ukraine "despite all the difficulties [it faces], should not cut spending for security and defense sector."

"Our task is to repel the aggressor's attacks and to free the occupied territories, that's why we must provide the army with modern arms and machinery, and our military [personnel] with worthy salaries," he said.

According to him, after the Cabinet of Ministers sets the general final parameters of the state budget, the council will approve the defense budget and state defense order.

Turchynov said that against the background of the Russian economic crisis and the impoverishment of the Russian population, the increase of the Russian defense budget by up to $48 billion means that "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin is continuing to transform Russia into a global military threat."

"Not just Ukraine in its National Security Strategy and Military Doctrine determines Russian as a main threat, our strategic partners also adhere to the same position," he said, adding that the recently adopted U.S. National Military Strategy states that Russia’s aggressive policy is one of the top threats the U.S. faces, "passing over international terrorism and threats from such 'dictatorial states' such as Iran and North Korea."