Yanukovych: Ukraine should become a great maritime state

Yanukovych said that the history of Ukrainian Navy has incorporated the valor of many generations of defenders of the homeland, have become role model for today's guardians of maritime borders of the Fatherland. "Ukraine should become a great maritime state, to adequately respond to the threats and challenges. We are proud to say that the naval forces of Ukraine reliably protect national interests at sea, provide its international prestige "- the president said. He noted the need to build a "modern and powerful military and the civilian fleet," and hinted that the fleet is a priority for all branches of government. Yanukovych has called the most important event in the restoration of the national shipbuilding start of construction on the Black Sea Shipyard first multi-purpose corvette "Volodymyr the Great." He believes that this event is "practically demonstrated achievement of public goals to modernize and upgrade the ship of the fleet." "I am convinced that the sea lanes, port infrastructure will be a powerful factor in the revival of the national economy", – added the President. We add to the strength of today's Naval Forces of Ukraine is about 15 thousand people. As part of VMSU is more than 71 warships, support ships and boats, 30 aircraft and helicopters, 40 tanks, more than 90 infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers and about 190 more than 60 guns and mortars, says RBC. As for sea and river trade fleet of Ukraine, according to Gosstata, in 2010 the fleet carried freight in the amount of 11.1 million tonnes, up 13.0% more than in 2009.