“SBU reform takes into account the modern security requirements, the best standards of the European special services and the unique experience gained during the hybrid war against Russia,” said the Deputy Head of the SBU Reformation Serhii Pun in his article for Ukrainian media.

“In fact, there are no universal regulations and directives, and even more so the EU standards for special services. We respect the experience of our colleagues and actively analyze it. However, each country is looking for its own option for security system. Therefore, the bill submitted by the President is an attempt to combine the best world experience and Ukrainian traditions in the field of security,” commented Serhii Pun.

He pointed out that when the country is in its sixth year of war, security experiments are inappropriate. Thus, SBU reform is not intended to extend its powers, but to increase its efficiency. It is necessary to protect the state and citizens when the world confronts unknown threats so far.

Serhii Pun called the coronavirus pandemic a challenge of the new level. “Of course, this is not a reason to panic, but a challenge for the states and their special services. The world has already changed. So, the security sector must quickly adapt to new conditions,” he said.

The priority tasks of SBU activity will be counterintelligence, the fight against terrorism, cyber security and protection of state secrets.

Serhii Pun drew attention to illogical statements made by some experts: on the one side, they demand to limit as much as possible SBU powers on counteractaction to economic crime, and on the other - more harsh actions of the SBU. Under current conditions, for instance, the counteraction to smuggling of medical goods.

“And of course we react to such illegal activity - recently SBU uncovered 80,000 respirators (estimated cost USD 126,000) and 40,000 medical gowns (USD 48,200).
The SBU blocked a lot of batches with the falsified tests. But a logical question arises: how can it effectively counteract in similar cases in the future if the SBU is deprived of these powers? Who will have such authority? Will it work?” writes Serhii Pun.

We remind, the draft law on Security Service of Ukraine was submitted by the President to the Parliament on March 10. It contains innovations that will help the SBU to change and improve its activity. Head of the SBU Ivan Bakanov hopes that the Verkhovna Rada will consider the bill in the near future as an urgent one.