The first element of the Memorial to Ukrainian Intelligence Officers was unveiled in Kyiv on the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine. At the opening ceremony, the authors of the idea - architect Andrii Lesiuk and sculptor Nazar Bilyk, who had previously created a famous memorial in honor of the Heavenly Hundred heroes in Lviv - told about the idea of the Memorial.

"Eternity" is a word written in many languages on the first stone of the future Memorial to Ukrainian intelligence men. It symbolizes the feat of people from different countries who stood up to defend a free and sovereign Ukraine at the beginning of russia's full-scale aggression.

The two steles in the composition symbolize wings and shields. Their active relief reproduces movement and struggle, strength, and tireless resistance. Between the two steles is a space of silence, where the names of people who fought bravely and honorably for Ukraine are engraved.

"As a team of authors, we sought to create a special space, a space of emotional presence, where the memory of the heroes comes to life," said sculptor Nazar Bilyk during the Memorial's unveiling.

"This space, thanks to these two steles, greenery, and additional elements, will be divided into chamber spaces for commemoration, for peace, for each of us who will come here and find their own place to communicate with the heroes," added architect Andriy Lesyuk.

From a bird' s-eye view, the composition of the steles and the centerpiece will resemble the shape of an eye: a symbol of eternal vigilance, protection, and invisible presence. The Memorial will be a space that will also help tell more about our heroes.

Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, took part in opening the first element of the Memorial. After honoring the fallen sworn brothers with a minute of silence, the head of Ukrainian intelligence made a speech.

"It is symbolic that on the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, we are laying the main element of the Memorial to Ukrainian intelligence officers. Nowadays, the words of Yevhen Konovalets that Ukraine is an irreplaceable bastion of heroes and fighters are more relevant than ever. This Memorial is of gratitude to those heroes who lived, fought, and returned on the shield. The warriors-reconnaissance men have passed away, but they will always remain in our hearts in the history of the struggle of the Ukrainian people. They will become a guiding light for future generations. An existential war is going on in Ukraine. I am confident that we will win a just peace by force. And evil will be defeated and punished. I am grateful to everyone who is fighting for Ukraine and to everyone who is helping us," Kyrylo Budanov said.

The Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine expressed gratitude to the Memorial's creators, Ukrainian intelligence officers, and the patrons, Volodymyr and Olena Besah, whose joint efforts made this space possible.

Eternal glory to the reconnaissance men who fell for Ukraine in battle!

Honor to all warriors who continue to fight!

Glory to Ukraine!