KYIV. Nov 29 (Interfax-AVN) - Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksandr Kuzmuk is committed to preserving the country's territorial integrity.
"Some principles of the country's domestic and foreign policy may change under certain circumstances, but its territorial integrity and borders should remain intact," Kuzmuk said at a meeting with senior Defense Ministry officials on Monday.
Describing the current situation in Ukraine as critical, the minister said that "unfortunately, the situation in the country has a trend towards escalating."
Kuzmuk said he is opposed to using force against the participants in the rallies that are continuing across the country if they abide by Ukrainian legislation.
"I believe in you and I am sure that under these complicated circumstances, the Armed Forces will continue conscientiously discharging their constitutional duty and will demonstrate order, discipline and patriotism. The Ukrainian Armed Forces will remain a guarantor of stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state under any circumstances," the minister stressed.