Minister Fedorov’s mobilization reform ideas require major funding — Kostenko

“He has ideas [for reform], and they all require a lot of money,” Kostenko told NV Radio.

“The main question is whether there will be money for all of it. The ideas are good; we hope they will be put into practice. But the most important thing is funding.”

Kostenko said the government is yet to come up with the cash, including for new service contracts already announced by the Defense Ministry.

“We’ve already announced contracts and said they will be available soon, that people should sign them,” the MP noted.

“But the question of where the funding will come from has not been 100 percent resolved. We often put the cart before the horse: we announce first and then try to solve the problems. So far, we do not see a complete solution.”

He added that Fedorov’s proposals focus on introducing appealing incentives for military service, but it is too early to assess them.

“Let him implement them; but all of this requires budget funds,” Kostenko said.

“Unfortunately, that’s our main problem right now. I understand there will be attempts to find the money. Where? For now, no one can answer.”