The priorities of the Foreign Intelligence Service should be effective identification of potential threats and challenges, assistance in the return of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, protection of national economic interests, promotion of the defense-industrial complex, countering hostile information operations and protection of Ukrainians abroad, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Intelligence must effectively identify and counter all potential threats and challenges to Ukrainian interests. Obtaining warning information about the plans and intentions of the enemies of our statehood, independence, our sovereignty is a key function of intelligence," the President noted during the presentation of the newly appointed head of the Foreign Intelligence Service Valeriy Kondratiuk.
The service must also effectively accompany the political dialogue on the return of the occupied territories.
"I am waiting for the intelligence information from the service to develop the optimal negotiating position of Ukraine both in Minsk and during the meeting in the Normandy format. You must make every effort to maintain Ukraine's international support," the President added.
In addition, Volodymyr Zelenskyy focused the attention of the new Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service on the issue of protecting the national economic interests of Ukraine and stressed that the inhibition of projects unfavorable to our country should be the focus of intelligence efforts.
The service should also assist the Ukrainian defense industry in the development and production of its own models of weapons and military equipment.
"Scientific and technical information obtained in the interests of Ukrainian enterprises is a technological breakthrough of our industry and new jobs for the citizens of Ukraine," the President said.
The detection, prevention and counteraction to hostile information operations is no less important.
In addition, the Foreign Intelligence Service should protect Ukrainians abroad in the face of global upheavals, especially the coronavirus pandemic, as well as terrorist attacks and international crime.
"The implementation of these tasks requires the optimization of the organizational structure, all aspects of intelligence activities and professional training of Ukrainian foreign intelligence officers. Valeriy Vitaliyovych, I commission you to professionally reform the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, introducing modern models of intelligence, personnel and strategic communications management,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President called on the employees of the service to never lose faith in their people and their state.
"Remain courageous and steadfast in your devotion to serving the people of Ukraine. Ukraine will never leave or abandon its sons and daughters," the Head of State stressed.