13:01 16.08.2018

National Guard to counteract destructive manifestations during election campaign – Turchynov

2 min read
National Guard to counteract destructive manifestations during election campaign – Turchynov

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov has said that the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU), in addition to protecting the country as part of the Joint Forces, will also ensure law and order and counteract destructive manifestations during the election campaign.

"Any attempts to disrupt, illegally influence or impede the holding of fair, transparent and democratic elections in Ukraine must be severely thwarted and punished. Our state is able to guarantee and ensure the free expression of the will of our citizens [...] The key to this is the professional activity of our security agencies – a high level of training, courage, firmness and selfless devotion of servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine to their country," the NSDC's press service quoted him as saying on Thursday during the tactical exercises of NGO units.

At the same time, Turchynov emphasized the special importance of ensuring public order, reliable protection of citizens and counteracting any destructive manifestations during the presidential and parliamentary election campaigns.

He said that the NGU not only protects Ukraine in the east of the country as part of the Joint Forces, but also "reliably protects the peaceful life and tranquility of our citizens in all regions of Ukraine, professionally confronts internal enemies, criminals, terrorists and saboteurs." In this context, Turchynov noted that amid a hybrid war, not being able to break through the defense by military means, the enemy is trying to destabilize the situation inside the country, sowing despondency, panic and chaos, using its agents, traitors and provocateurs. This provocative attempt is opposed by the National Guard, he said.

Speaking about the provision of the National Guard with the necessary means, he said: "Today the guardsmen have modern equipment, special means and weapons, and, most importantly, a high level of professional training in order to stop any criminals, effectively counter any attempts of internal destabilization."

Turchynov added that all special means used by the NGU are certified and used by the units of NATO countries.

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