President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi congratulated the SSU personnel on the 32^nd anniversary of the Security Service. He presented state awards to the SSU officers for their bravery and dedication in the fight against the enemy.

‘During the war, the Security Service has become a truly combat-ready and, above all, effective special service, the one that our state needs. It needs it both for protection from the enemy and for operations to reduce the potential of russia’s aggression,’ the President noted.

He remarked that the SSU finds effective methods to counter the adversary and faithfully serves Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyi thanked the Security Service for all its achievements: the Special Operations Centre ‘A’ and Military Counterintelligence – for fighting the enemy on the front line, the Counterintelligence – for exposing and detaining spotters, collaborators and traitors trying to undermine Ukraine from within, the investigators – for investigating russian war crimes, the cyber units – for protecting the cyber domain.

‘Thank you for the unwavering strength and will that you have shown in combat since day one! Thank you for the range and accuracy of our drones – those operating in the sky and at sea. Thank you for the technological level of the SSU’s strikes,’ Volodymyr Zelenskyi said, recalling that Ukraine was the first country in the world to create its own fleet of attack drones.

Today, the President awarded 11 SSU officers. Among them is an officer of the Special Operations Centre ‘A’, who received the Hero of Ukraine title. Three servicemen were promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyi presented the battle flag to the SSU Counterintelligence Department and the ribbon For Courage and Bravery to the SSU Military Counterintelligence Department.

The audience observed a minute of silence in memory of the Heroes who died defending Ukraine.

‘During the war, the SSU has become a fighting security service. It is a truly combat unit that is a part of the Defence Forces. The trust and high esteem of the Ukrainian people is an indicator that we are on the right track. We have secured significant achievements and victories at sea, in the air, on the front line and far behind it,’ the SSU Head Vasyl Maliuk emphasized.

He thanked the SSU staff, stressing that all units are making a significant contribution to our common Victory. He called on his colleagues to constantly learn, improve and share combat experience.

‘There are still many challenges ahead – we must stay focused. The enemy is improving and accelerating. But when Ukrainians say ‘doomed to succeed’ – it’s about us... We are the descendants of the glorious Kyivan princes and Cossack knights... Therefore, we need only self-improvement and a joint dynamic movement to Victory,’ Vasyl Maliuk summarized.

He wished his comrades-in-arms to return from special operations alive and unharmed.

‘I am honoured to fight for Victory together with you!’ – said the SSU Head.