On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the Security Service of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Security Service personnel, presented them with state awards, and conferred senior officer ranks.
"Over the years of this war, the Security Service of Ukraine has truly become a combat-ready special service – highly efficient and strong. Exactly the kind our country needs. The warriors of the Security Service of Ukraine are involved in every area of defense – from the Kursk and Kharkiv regions to the hottest spots on the Donetsk front lines and in the south of our country," he said.
The President highlighted the achievements of the Security Service and other Ukrainian defense and security forces in the battle for the Black Sea. Ukrainian naval drones forced Russian warships to hide in the bays of Novorossiysk, and destroyed a large portion of the Russian fleet. As a result, Russia shifted from issuing ultimatums to being compelled to negotiate on Black Sea security.
The President also emphasized the Security Service’s combat operations targeting Russia’s oil refining sector.
"I want to also recognize the Security Service’s efforts in protecting our country’s internal security – countering Russian saboteurs, spy networks, and various operations, including cyberattacks, that Russia conducts against Ukraine behind the front lines. Every operation that is foiled means lives saved. Thank you," President Zelenskyy added.
The Head of State presented the Security Service personnel with the Orders of Merit II and III class, the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky II and III class, the Orders “For Courage” II and III class, and the Orders of Princess Olga III class.
The attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of the Ukrainian men and women who gave their lives for their homeland.