Ukraine's new military doctrine names Russia as main adversary

KIEV, Ukraine, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council on Wednesday adopted a draft of a revised military doctrine that defines Russia as a military adversary. It also reaffirms Ukraine's drive to join NATO.

"The new doctrine of Ukraine determines the Russian Federation as the country's military adversary and defines conditions for the liberation of temporary occupied territories of Ukraine," the council said in a statement.

The new doctrine in based on a "high likelihood of of a large-scale use of military force against Ukraine as the main threat to Ukraine's national security in the military sphere. [It] confirms the abandonment of the non-aligned policy and declares the resumption of the strategic courts toward Euro-Atlantic integration," the council said.

The draft was approved Wednesday and proposed for signature by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

The doctrine also "underscores the need to improve training and mobilization systems and to substantially increase the professional component of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other military formations."

It sets out national defense measures required to "restore national sovereignty and territorial integrity." It addresses the challenges of Ukraine's defenses in order to adequately counter armed aggression.

Kiev forces have battled pro-Kremlin separatists since Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014.

The European Union agreed Wednesday to extend sanctions against Russian firms and individuals in order to maintain pressure on Moscow to do its part to end fighting in Ukraine.