“Only from the territory of the Russia, 7,000 employees of special services are engaged in reconnaissance and subversive activities against Ukraine on a regular basis,” claimed the SBU Head Ivan Bakanov at the All-Ukrainian Forum “Ukraine 30”, which was devoted to security.

“Today's Russia is essentially a state ruled by special service. Russian foreign policy has nothing to do with classical diplomacy, but it is rather a complex of special operations. About 7,000 Russian special-service agents work against Ukraine. These are, so to speak, “white collars”,” said Ivan Bakanov.

He explained that the purpose of such subversive activity is not only to support the resources of the armed conflict in the East, but also to systematically prevent the strengthening of Ukrainian national security. In particular, Russian special services are engaged in creation of intelligence networks, disruption of international aid, provocation of massive protests and active propaganda.

The SBU Head also noted that the Russian special services altered their approach to recruitment. They are trying to recruit not only high-ranking officials, but also a wider range of Ukrainian citizens.

Another challenge we are facing is the deployment of the Russian Armed Forces along the border. We report that the striking force reaches about 100,000 troopers.

Ivan Bakanov stressed that Russia poses the strongest security threat to modern Ukraine. And it is highly unlikely that Russia’s reconnaissance and sabotage activities will decline significantly over time.

"We will face new challenges. But the Security Service of Ukraine is ready for them, because we have been successfully opposing Russia in this hybrid war for 7 years now,” emphasized Ivan Bakanov.

In particular, in 2020 alone, the SBU blocked five intelligence networks, detained twelve Russian intelligence agents, and neutralized 600 cyber-attacks on state resources.

The SBU also prevented seven terrorist attacks and detained ten individuals involved in their preparation. Pursuant to SBU materials, 192 court verdicts were passed for terrorist activities and encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“Taking into account all the threats to Ukraine, we need a well-balanced and professional approach to the reform of the Security Service of Ukraine,” said Ivan Bakanov.

"Only strength can provide security. And in the case of Ukraine, this strength is in unity. United we will win the hybrid war with such an experienced enemy and return our territories," stressed Ivan Bakanov.