Ukrainian military intelligence celebrates professional holiday

On this day in 1992, in accordance with Presidential Decree On the Directorate of Military Strategic Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine was established.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the restoration of Ukraine's independence in August 1991, the issue of creating the country's own military intelligence became acute, as such agencies had previously been subordinated to Moscow. In parallel lines with the formation of the Armed Forces, the process began of creating a system of military intelligence.

This date is a testament to the recognition of the special role played by military intelligence in protecting the national interests of Ukraine, especially when Russia's aggression and other shifts in the external and internal security environment require a new system of national security. Over the years of the ongoing war, Ukrainian operatives reached a new level of skills. Since the onset of hostilities, they have remained at the forefront, defending the country's territorial integrity, showing exceptional examples of courage and heroism.

Minister of Defense Andriy Taran congratulated the staff and veterans of the military intelligence on their professional holiday, celebrated September 7, according to the ministry's press service.

"Military intelligence occupies a special place in the intelligence community, purusing effective work to ensure the national security and defense of Ukraine," Taran said.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Serhiy Shaptala, and the Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces, Serhiy Nayev, also published their greetings.

Shaptala stressed that "ensuring quality planning of Ukraine's comprehensive defense, resistance movement, strategic deployment of troops (forces) and operations is impossible without timely, full, and reliable information. Therefore, gathering, analyzing, and providing intelligence in our time is the core of success and the key to victory in battles. "

Nayev, in turn, stated that in the national security system, military intelligence is one of the tools to protect national interests from external threats. "The information you gather allows identifying the enemy's military resources, its combat capabilities, and vulnerabilities," he said.

According to Nayev, fulfilling the tasks set by the command puts scouts' lives in danger, "but the success of your efforts always determines the course of the combat operation. It is reconnaissance on the battlefield that helps commanders hear and see the enemy."