The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi congratulated the Security Service of Ukraine on its 31^st anniversary and presented state awards to distinguished employees.

The ceremony took place at the SSU Central Office.

‘The Ukrainian people wanted to have a Security Service, which they are proud of, to which they are sincerely grateful and which instils confidence that Ukraine is protected from all threats, no matter what they are,’ Volodymyr Zelenskyi emphasized.

The Head of State pointed out the feats and strength of the renewed and combat-ready Security Service of Ukraine. He emphasized that all Ukrainians should know that the SSU will continue to add even more heroic pages to the history of the new, independent Ukraine.

The SSU Head Vasyl Maliuk underscored that the SSU fulfils its professional duty with honour and great responsibility.

‘For two years, we have been marking the SSU Day with weapons in hand, protecting the most valuable - our Homeland. But if a year ago our main objective was to deter the enemy, today we are doing our best to speed up liberation of our land,’ Vasyl Maliuk noted.

He thanked all SSU units for their dedication and efficient work and expressed his condolences to the families of the officers killed in the war. Vasyl Maliuk called on the staff to commemorate and honour the memory of the Heroes every day.

The President presented 16 state awards to SSU servicemen, including the Order of the Golden Star to the relatives of the fallen Hero of Ukraine.

After that, Vasyl Maliuk presented 20 departmental awards to distinguished officers.

‘Today we are stepping up our efforts in all areas. We are fighting in the hottest spots of this war. We are fighting against both external and internal enemy - traitors and collaborators who called ‘russian world’ to our Homeland. We are mercilessly sweeping away this garbage and will continue to do so!’ Vasyl Maliuk summarized.