Those years were far from being easy and unclouded.

This is yet another time that our nation celebrates the anniversary since the realization of the secular dream of Ukrainian people – to be the masters in their own beautiful land.

For nearly a thousand years – since the times of the Kievan Rus – Ukrainians were striving to live in freedom, to practice their own traditions and customs without being persecuted and oppressed. 

Despite everything, they were struggling for freedom.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine and, beyond any doubt, the Defence Intelligence as their component, have always been, are and will be the solid guarantor of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability.

Intelligence officers selflessly perform their constitutional duty, prove their adherence to the Military Oath, show responsibility, persistence and professionalism and maintain high-level combat readiness, thus strengthening the defense capability and protecting the national interests of our state.

On the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine, I sincerely wish you all good health, pep and success for the sake of prosperity of our nation.

Let the source of our faith, hope and love to our native land never shoal and rise in energy, persistence and self-confidence.