SBU Head Ivan Bakanov stated during his speech in the Verkhovna Rada: “Russian special services use every pretext to destabilize Ukraine, and spreading protesting moods is one of the methods of a hybrid war waged against our country not only in the east, but also in peaceful cities”.

“I strongly support people actively expressing their civic position. This indicates maturity and democracy of our society. However, I realize the other side of the coin. We understand that hybrid war is our current reality, and triggering protests is one of its tools, “- Ivan Bakanov said.

According to him, the SBU has enough information to claim that the Russian special services are constantly monitoring the social and political situation in Ukraine and trying to use every pretext to their advantage. Protesters may not even realize that their active actions are used in the information war by hostile services.

He stressed that on the eve of the March 20 rally, the SBU informed colleagues of other law enforcement agencies about possible clashes and violations. Protection of public order and state facilities is responsibility of the National Police and State Security Administration of Ukraine.

"There is a fine line between peaceful protest and violation of a law. It should be established by the court. And it will judge protests outside the President’s Office, " - the SBU Head stressed.

Moreover, the SBU, within its powers, documented and recorded developments near the Office of the President, assessing threats to state security.

“The SBU takes proactive measures to suppress or neutralize any threats to state security. But it will be much easier to counteract them when the society focuses on unity and not on inciting conflicts, deliberately inspired by outside forces, “- Ivan Bakanov said.