Defence Minister of Ukraine Andrii Taran took part in celebrations on the occasion of the Day of Military Intelligence of Ukraine, conducted at the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Headquarters.

Congratulating the Ukrainian intelligence officers, the head of the Defence Ministry noted that military intelligence is the foundation of the state’s defence capabilities and a powerful tool for protecting national interests. Events on armed hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, evacuation of the Ukrainians and other victims from Syria and Afghanistan – are just proof of that.

According to Andrii Taran, reforms are implementing in difficult military-political and economic conditions, which are extremely important for the military intelligence system. They allow simultaneously strengthening the existing capabilities and the introduction of new methods in intelligence activities. The strengthening of cooperation with all actors of the intelligence community and with the special services of foreign countries, especially NATO’s member states plays a positive role. It makes possible to build relations of mutual trust.

As a positive example, the Minister of Defence recalled the recent signing of the Framework Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the US Department of Defence regarding the strategic foundations of defence partnership, which includes ensuring effective partnerships between Ukrainian and US intelligence communities to support planning and operations.

The head of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry expressed deep respect and sincere gratitude for the important work that intelligence officers are doing to protect the national interests of Ukraine.

Andrii Taran and the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Brigadier General Kyrylo Budanov, also laid flowers near the memorial sign, devoted to the warriors-intelligence officers, who perished while defending the Independence of Ukraine.