KIEV, July 20 – Prime Minister Mykola Azarov on Tuesday admitted of weakening Ukraine’s defense systems by drastically reducing spending on the army. He said that spending on social programs remains intact.

"We have been criticized for weakening of our defenses. Yes, we are weakening defense to some extent… But as soon as we get out of this crisis state, we will make up for it, assigning funds for this purpose," Azarov said in an interview with the Pershiy state television on Tuesday.