President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the staff of the Foreign Intelligence Service and congratulated them on the professional holiday that the intelligence officers celebrated the day before.
"Congratulations on the Day of the Foreign Intelligence of Ukraine! I wish you and your families sound health. Defend them, defend Ukraine. Ukraine is grateful to you," the President said.
On January 24, 1919, the first foreign intelligence unit of the Ukrainian People's Republic was established. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that today, as a hundred years ago, the work of foreign intelligence is crucial for the national security of the state, its unity and independence.
"Today we have no right to repeat the mistakes of the past. Therefore, we must work beyond our capabilities," the President said.
He also noted that the recent processes in the world indicate the beginning of a radical transformation of the global security environment.
"We have learned to contain and counter external threats. It is time to move to more ambitious actions and be more proactive, defending the national interests of our state," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
According to him, one of the first steps in this direction may be the formation of a "security alliance" between the partner countries.
"You have the experience and the ability to put it into practice. Moreover, "operations of influence" are one of the key forms of work of intelligence structures," the President said.
The President stressed that the Foreign Intelligence Service should daily strengthen the strategic and operational components, analytical activities and quality of information, implement new approaches and expertise of the world's leading intelligence services.
"I appreciate your commitment and your loyalty to oath. Perseverance and patriotism in performing the assigned tasks. And I am confident that you will be able to bring our intelligence to a new, high level," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President presented state awards and certificates for apartments to the staff of the Foreign Intelligence Service.