On the occasion of the 33^rd anniversary of the Security Service of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated the SSU personnel and awarded its officers with state awards.

‘Over the years of this war, the SSU has become a truly combat special service, very effective, very strong. The one that our state needs. SSU servicemen are involved in all areas of defense – from Kursk and Kharkiv regions to all the hottest spots of the frontline in Donetsk and southern Ukraine,’ Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President noted the SSU’s combat results on the battlefield, in the enemy’s deep rear and in the battle for the Black Sea.

The Security Service, together with other units of Security and Defense Forces, destroyed and sank a significant part of the russian fleet using maritime surface drones. This forced the enemy to hide its warships in the bays of Novorosiysk and to move from ultimatums to the need to negotiate security in the Black Sea.

‘I would also like to note the efforts of the Security Service of Ukraine in protecting the internal situation – by countering enemy saboteurs, agent networks, neutralizing various russian operations, including cyber ops, against Ukraine in the rear. Each such foiled enemy operation means saved Ukrainian lives. Thank you!’ Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

In turn, the SSU Head Vasyl Maliuk pointed out that during the war years the Security Service has come a long way of changes and transformations, having tempered its spirit and gaining invaluable combat experience.

‘Today, the list of tasks of the Security Service is very wide: from destroying russia’s military potential to countering terrorism on the streets of Ukrainian cities and villages. Together with our comrades-in-arms from the Defense Forces, we are firmly holding each section of the frontline, protecting the lives and safety of our citizens,’ Vasyl Maliuk remarked.

The President presented state awards to SSU officers. All those present at the ceremony observed a minute of silence in memory of the fallen heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine.

‘Our priority is to destroy as many enemies as possible and liberate our land. Ukrainians have done this many times before: sabers of Cossack times have been replaced by modern weapons and FPV drones. We have good genetic memory, multiplied by a thirst for freedom and a hatred of russian torturers. We also have the desire to avenge our fallen comrades and to make an eternal vaccination against russians for our descendants,’ underscored Vasyl Maliuk.

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