KIEV, Dec. 25 – Ukraine's parliament has passed a law to extend the powers of the National Security and Defense Council and its secretary.

The law was supported by 253 MPs.

Parliament ordered its committees to improve the bill on December 23. A total of 302 deputies voted for that decision.

On December 11, the Verkhovna Rada approved in principle a bill adjusting the National Security and Defense Council Law, which broadened powers of that body and allowed the NSDC to make decisions "regarding the declaration of war".