President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced the newly appointed head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine Oleksandr Lytvynenko.
The presentation ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov.
"We all know Oleksandr Valeriyovych, I have known him personally for two years. We’ve been working a lot at the National Security and Defense Council. Much has been done under his leadership at the Institute for Strategic Studies. In fact, I deeply respect Mr. Lytvynenko. He is an experienced and respectable man, a professional with an excellent reputation," the President stressed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the new head of the Foreign Intelligence Service perfectly understands the tasks facing foreign intelligence. The Head of State believes that Oleksandr Lytvynenko should keep professional people around him in order to reform the Foreign Intelligence Service together.
"One of our great tasks today is to protect our statehood, our sovereignty and territorial integrity. And everyone should do it transparently, openly, giving one’s strength and knowledge," the President said.
Oleksandr Lytvynenko thanked the Head of State for his trust and noted that this appointment is a great honor and challenge for him.
"I am convinced that the Foreign Intelligence Service has great traditions, great potential, and very powerful specialists. And I am sure that together we will be able to do everything to protect the national interests of our state, to obtain advanced, high-quality operational information about the plans and intentions of our enemy - the Russian Federation and other states. I am convinced that together we will justify the trust of the President, the leadership of the state and ensure the fulfillment of the tasks of our service," he stressed.