Monastyrsky, his colleagues play key role in ensuring Ukraine's defense – Podoliak on death of Interior Ministry's officials

KYIV. Jan 18 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky, his deputy Yevhen Enin and Interior Ministry Secretary of State Yuriy Lubkovych, who died in a plane crash as a result of a helicopter crash in Brovary, played an important role in ensuring the defense of Ukraine, adviser to the head of the President’s Office Mykhailo Podoliak said.

"An indisputable tragedy. Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrsky, the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, children died in a plane crash. Denys Anatoliyovych and his colleagues played an important role in ensuring the defense of Ukraine. An investigation has launched. All versions will be checked. Sincere condolences to the families of the victims…" Podoliak said on Twitter.

Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak also expressed his condolences to all the dead.

"I sympathize with the families of the victims, I sympathize with the parents of the children. All this is very painful," he said in Telegram.

Speaking about the dead representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Yermak called them true patriots of Ukraine.

"Denys [Monastyrsky], you were one of those who showed up even more after February 24. You were here from the first minute, worked non-stop. Real, reliable, intelligent, you did a lot for our victory," he said.