Ukraine will downsize its military while building up its combat capability, the nation's defense minister said on Wednesday.

"Reform of the Armed Forces will not be confined to personnel reductions, but will ensure the maintenance and strengthening of their battle potential," Mykhaylo Yezhel said.

He offered no indication as to the size of proposed personnel cuts.

As of the start of this year the Ukrainian Armed Forces had about 200,000 servicemen.

The government said in mid-July Ukraine is to downsize its Armed Forces by some 20% to 150,000-160,000 personnel in five years. Alongside the cuts in personnel, military spending should grow at a rate of 15-20% a year through 2015.

KIEV, September 1 (RIA Novosti)