Security Service of Ukraine
The Security Service of Ukraine is the main internal security agency of the Ukrainian government. Its main duties include counter-intelligence activity and combating organized crime and terrorism. The Constitution of Ukraine defines the SBU as a military formation, and its staff are considered military personnel with ranks. It is subordinated directly under the authority of the president of Ukraine. The SBU also operates its own special forces unit, the Alpha Group.
Some of the key events about Security Service of Ukraine
- 1991Established as an independent state security agency following Ukraine's independence
- 1992Played a key role in securing Ukraine's nuclear arsenal for safe dismantlement
- 1992Allegations of involvement in the disappearance of a prominent opposition journalist
- 1994Successfully negotiated the return of Crimean separatists to Ukrainian control without bloodshed
- 1995Accusations of illegal surveillance and wiretapping of political opponents
- 2000Reported suppression of media outlets critical of the government
- 2004Helped ensure a peaceful resolution to the Orange Revolution
- 2004Alleged interference in the presidential election process
- 2008Uncovered and neutralized a major international drug trafficking network
- 2010Claims of politically motivated investigations against opposition figures
- 2013Accusations of using excessive force against Euromaidan protesters
- 2014Prevented multiple terrorist attacks during the Euromaidan protests
- 2014Allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees in eastern Ukraine
- 2015Launched a comprehensive anti-corruption program within its own ranks
- 2016Successfully conducted a large-scale cybersecurity operation to protect critical infrastructure
- 2016Criticized for raids on anti-corruption activists and organizations
- 2018Thwarted an assassination attempt on a prominent journalist
- 2018Staged assassination of a Russian journalist, drawing international criticism
- 2021Accusations of illegal surveillance of journalists and activists
- 2022Played a crucial role in defending Ukraine's sovereignty during the Russian invasion
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.