Smirnov Yurii Ivanovych served in reconnaissance units, in intelligence command and control bodies, he was engaged in training of cadets-reconnaissance men in Kyiv High Combined Arms Commanding College named after Mykhailo Frunze. Over the period of 1981-1983, he served in Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. He took part in rescue operation at Chornobyl nuclear power plant. He was awarded with the Order “Red Star”.

When Ukraine regained its independence, he was directly involved into the creation of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

After his retiring from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, he held a post of the Deputy Director of Department of State Committee of Ukraine on veterans issues, worked at the organization of veterans of war, labour and the armed forces under Kyiv regional council.

The personnel of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine mourns on the death of retired Colonel Smirnov Yurii Ivanovych and it expresses condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.