SBU Anniversary: The Record-Breaking Operations and Strikes That Redefined Ukraine’s Security Service.

Ukraine’s Security Service Day

According to Novyny.live: Every March 25, Ukraine marks the Day of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). This observance traces back to 1992, when the Verkhovna Rada passed the law 'On the Security Service of Ukraine.' It was formally established as an official holiday by Presidential Decree No. 193/2001 in 2001. The SBU is tasked with critical missions, including:

• counterintelligence operations
• countering foreign interference
• combating terrorism
• safeguarding state secrets
• cybersecurity matters
• protecting vital infrastructure

Wartime Transformation

The landscape in Ukraine shifted dramatically with the onset of the full-scale war in 2022. Since then, the SBU has been conducting high-stakes operations to uphold national security. Among its most notable actions was the seizure of the 'Tikhoretsk' oil pumping station in Krasnodar Krai on March 12, 2023. Additionally, on March 2, 2023, the SBU targeted the frigate 'Admiral Essen' in a strike.

As of January 5, 2026, Yevhen Khmara serves as the acting head of the SBU. The agency continues to fulfill its duties amid escalating challenges, actively responding to external threats. Looking ahead, the SBU plans to sharpen its focus on counterintelligence, anti-terrorism efforts, and the protection of state secrets.

The Day of the Security Service of Ukraine stands as a powerful reminder of the institution’s role in safeguarding the country and defending its interests.

Given the current national security challenges—especially in the context of ongoing military operations and threats from the aggressor—this holiday carries particular weight. The SBU is continuously adapting its strategies and methods to meet new realities, with an emphasis on counterintelligence and the protection of critical infrastructure. The occasion also underscores the importance of state security for the nation’s stability and sovereignty.