Russian aggression and attempts to destabilize situation in Ukraine determine the Security Service of Ukraine to work more actively to counter such processes. This was stated by the SBU Head Ivan Bakanov at the SBU Outcome Board meeting.

“The SBU Central Office and its regional units shall take clear, coherent and proactive measures to counter Russian aggression and domestic destabilization," Ivan Bakanov stressed.

According to the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, the SBU reform will help to adopt modern approaches in work. However, the relevant draft law adopted by the Verkhovna Rada in the first reading needs to be finalized.

“The SBU reform is not just about the law. This is about daily work, priorities and changes that we are implementing now,” said Ivan Bakanov.

He also emphasized on the need to improve logistics of the Service and proper financial support of the employees, competitive with other law enforcement bodies.

In addition to the SBU key priorities for development, the Board summarized its activities in 2020.

We remind that one of the SBU significant missions is to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. During 2020, 192 court sentences were given for related crimes. Furthermore, SBU officers prevented seven terrorist attacks and detained ten people involved in committing and preparing for a crime.

During the year the SBU initiated 335 criminal proceedings for encroachment upon state sovereignty and 304 proceedings for high treason, espionage, sabotage and the creation of a terrorist organization.

The SBU body also counteracted 600 cyberattacks against government information resources and critical infrastructure facilities.