SEVASTOPOL. Aug 1 (Interfax-AVN) - The Ukrainian Navy has established itself as a full-fledged arms of service, Navy Commander Mykhaylo Yezhel said on Thursday.
The Navy gets 95 percent of funds that it needs from the state, Yezhel told Interfax-Military News Agency.
"We cannot complain for insufficient financing. At the same time, I am not always satisfied with achievements. Ask any commander if he has ever been fully satisfied with results," he said.
Ukraine celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Navy's establishment on August 1.
Yezhel said he regretted that "intensive combat training of the Soviet times no longer exists today."
"On the other hand, the Ukrainian Navy has more than 30 warships and about 60 auxiliary vessels. Nevertheless, the Navy does not consist of vessels alone, it also includes aviation, marines and coastal troops," he said.
Asked whether the Navy command laid the stress on the development of the marine corps, Yezhel responded in the negative.
"I do not have favorites. If I get some, there will be some non-favorites. I have the same attitude towards all branches and the equal understanding of the existing problems. I do not lay the stress on the strengthening of the marine corps," he said.
On the other hand, he admitted that the decision to make the marine corps a separate military branch had been based on his proposal. In Russia, marines are included in the coastal troops.
"Thus, the Navy command pays some attention to the marines," Yezhel concluded.