President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the expansion of funding for the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine so that it can become more active in fulfilling its institutional tasks and withstand the challenges posed by Russia. The President said this in his evening video address to Ukrainians, UNN reports.
Obviously, we cannot counteract the resources that Russia has, including financial ones. But Ukrainians are able to outplay Russia with their courage, determination and ideas. The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine should become much more active in fulfilling its institutional tasks. On the other hand, the reliable work of such an organization cannot be cheap. And this is now a task for the government as a whole and the Ministry of Finance: we need to seek and find a financial basis for the work of our intelligence service - to expand funding for specific projects, for specific goals, and for the development of the foreign intelligence system in general.
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Zelenskyy noted that the analytical potential of our intelligence is quite high, so the Ukrainian leadership should give it more operational capabilities. In particular, to provide more information and more opportunities for influence.
The Head of State also noted that Russia spends billions of dollars annually on operations in countries of their interest, and this influence of Russians is often directed against Ukraine.
They spread chaos, undermine the work of normal institutions, invest in disinformation, and bribe public and political leaders. This applies to different regions of the planet - sensitive regions. Africa, different parts of Asia, Europe are very vulnerable to destabilizations provoked and fueled by Putin's system. The Americas, both North and Latin America , are also the target of Russian intelligence and chaotic activities. In many ways, this influence works against our country and our defense.
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On March 28, President introduced the new head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleh Ivashchenko, to the staff.