The SSU National Academy held its first graduation ceremony for young officers who completed their education under the standard NATO training cycle and are beginning their professional careers after four years of study. Brigadier General Andrii Tupikov, Deputy Head of the SSU, presented the diplomas and congratulated the graduates.

‘This is an important event for the entire Security Service. After all, our operational family is being joined not just by new specialists, but by warriors of Ukraine. People who have chosen a difficult but the only right path – to defend our state. Today, the first course to be recruited during the full-scale invasion is completing its training. The cadets understood all the risks but consciously decided to serve their Homeland and defend its independence’, said Andrii Tupikov.

According to the Deputy Head of the SSU, during the training, the Academy’s lecturers relied not only on international standards. They also incorporated the Security Service’s experience in the ongoing war, gained both on the battlefield and in counterintelligence and operational work.

‘The SSU counterintelligence and other units are successfully countering the enemy within Ukraine. Our officers act proactively to prevent sabotage and terrorist attacks while they are still in the planning stages. They expose spy networks, investigate war crimes, and repel russian attacks in cyberspace’, the Brigadier General emphasized.

During the ceremony, those present observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of fallen officers of the SSU and other units of the Defense Forces. Among them was Colonel Dmytro Kaplunov, Hero of Ukraine and officer of the  ‘Alpha’ Special Operations Center, after whom the course was named during the training period.

‘Now more than ever, the country needs bold ideas and professionals who are ready to bring them to life. Along this path, you will also face challenges and difficulties. I wish you to overcome them with dignity. Always remain true to your military oath and to the Ukrainian people. Serve with honor!’ emphasized Andrii Tupikov.