The SSU Acting Head Vasyl Maliuk and Ambassadors of G7 states discussed security challenges, which our country is facing after russia’s full-scale invasion.

At the meeting held in Kyiv, the G7 was represented by Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Anka Feldhusen (Germany), Melinda Simmons (UK), Etienne de Poncins (France), Pier Francesco Zazzo (Italy), Kuninori Matsuda (Japan), Chargés d’Affaires Ashley Mulroney (Canada) and Christopher W. Smith (USA).

The Ambassadors expressed full support of Ukraine and its citizens, assuring of further assistance from their countries. The participants discussed security issues and the reform of the special service.

‘We strive to create a proper, combat-capable counterintelligence model. The reform must find the balance when our functions meet the threats we are facing: to help the SSU modernize, on the one hand, and to take into account the realities of war and a terrorist state as our neighbor, on the other,’ Vasyl Maliuk remarked.

The SSU Acting Head spoke about the ongoing work with the Parliament to develop legislative initiatives to strengthen the SSU capabilities, which is essential especially during a war. The main focus is on improving counterintelligence capacities in order to better counter russia’s armed aggression.

Therefore, Counterintelligence and Military Counterintelligence have been completely reformatted to perform combat tasks on the front line as efficiently as possible. At the same time, the SSU officers work not only in the hottest spots of the frontline, but also in the de-occupied territories and in the rear, exposing russian intelligence networks, collaborators and traitors.

‘Our countries will continue to support Ukraine in the fight against russian armed aggression. We are open to further discussions on supporting the implementation of reforms in Ukraine, including the legislative initiatives to strengthen the SSU’s capabilities,’ commented German Ambassador to Ukraine Anka Feldhusen, whose country holds the G7 presidency in 2022.

Vasyl Maliuk also briefed the audience about changes in the work of the Service and the SSU’s self-cleansing from ‘moles’ and traitors who worked for russian special services.

The SSU Acting Head thanked the Ambassadors for the assistance provided to Ukraine by their countries.

‘This is not just support of Ukraine. This is a contribution to a safe and stable future of Europe and the world. I am grateful that the position of international community is consolidated - russia must be held accountable for all murders, destruction and terrorism committed,’ Vasyl Maliuk emphasized.