The cadets of the SSU National Academy have taken the oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people.

The ceremony took place in Kyiv.

‘Today, the SSU, together with the Defence Forces, is doing everything to liberate our land! And you too will be bringing this day closer. But first, you will learn to professionally defend your country from the enemy. And at the Academy, you will definitely get the necessary knowledge and professional skills,’ the SSU Deputy Head Serhii Naumiuk greeted the cadets.

He noted that these young men and women had overcome a very high competition to be admitted to the Academy. There are children in this year’s class whose parents are currently defending Ukraine or were killed in the line of duty. Among the cadets is also the son of the Hero of Ukraine, SSU Lieutenant Colonel Vasyl Bogach, who defended Mariupol at Azovstal and was killed in action.

Traditionally, the new class is named after a Hero of Ukraine. This time, it is Oleksandr Vdovychenko, a colonel from the SSU’s Special Operations Centre ‘A’. He led a sniper group fighting in Donetsk region and was killed near Bakhmut in the spring.

The oath ceremony was attended by Oleksandr’s family - mother, wife and daughter.

‘Today, the Security and Defence Forces have been joined by motivated young men and women who have fulfilled their dream of becoming part of the Security Service of Ukraine. You have consciously chosen the defence of Ukraine as your duty. I believe that you will serve with dignity and honour the name of our Hero,’ said Andrii Cherniak, the SSU National Academy Rector.

The memory of all the fallen defenders of Ukraine was honoured with a minute of silence and a wreath-laying ceremony.

The SSU Deputy Head wished the cadets plenty of personal successes on their learning path, leading to a common great Victory over the enemy.