The Counterterrorism Center at the SSU conducted an interagency special tactical exercise in Kyiv. Security agencies practiced responding to a terrorist threat at the Expocenter of Ukraine National Complex.

According to the scenario, ‘terrorists’ take participants of an international forum hostage, including a high-ranking foreign official.

The security forces immediately set up a situation room, negotiate with ‘terrorists’; later, make a decision to carry out a force phase of the operation. The assault team takes down ‘terrorists’ and frees the hostages.

‘We always have something to work on,’ said the acting Chief of Staff - Deputy Head of the Counterterrorism Center at the SSU Yuriy Malashko. ‘Counteraction to terrorism constantly requires new preventive approaches. We improve practical skills and draw conclusions to prepare recommendations for all actors in counterterrorism,’ he added.

The participants successfully practiced interagency cooperation during the drill. The exercise showed a high level of management of operational capabilities in the event of a terrorist act related to Ukraine’s foreign relations.

The units of the SSU, the Department of State Protection, the National Guard, the National Police, the State Emergency Service, the State Border Guard Service and other authorities took part in the exercise.