Ukraine's Security Service Marks 34 Years
On March 25, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) celebrates its 34th anniversary. The agency has significantly strengthened its capabilities to meet contemporary challenges, particularly in countering Russian aggression. Since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, SBU operatives have destroyed over 2,000 tanks, more than 4,500 artillery systems, and over 700 air defense units on the front lines. The SBU has evolved from a domestic security body into a key military and counterintelligence force during the ongoing war.
Major Operations and Achievements of Ukraine's Security Service
In 2024, the SBU executed dozens of unique special operations that substantially impacted the war's trajectory. One of the most significant was Operation Spiderweb in June 2025. This mission targeted Russian aviation, disabling 41 combat aircraft—including A-50, Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 models—at four airfields. The strike resulted in Russia losing 34% of its strategic aviation in a single day, with estimated losses exceeding $7 billion USD. Preparations for Operation Spiderweb lasted over a year and a half.
During the summer of 2025, the SBU struck the Crimean Bridge for a third time, severely damaging its support structures. This operation followed previous attacks on the bridge in 2022 and 2023, with planning for the third strike taking several months. Furthermore, last year the SBU conducted a historic attack using the Sub Sea Baby underwater drone against a Russian submarine in the port of Novorossiysk, marking a major advancement in naval drone warfare.
Between 2025 and 2026, the Security Service of Ukraine prevented 195 explosive-related crimes and identified over 1,000 individuals involved in sabotage, arson, and terrorist acts. Since the full-scale invasion began, the SBU has uncovered 141 agent networks involving 608 people and has announced 4,144 suspicions of state treason. These figures highlight the agency's active counterintelligence work and its efforts to combat internal threats.
The Security Service of Ukraine continues to perform its duties under extremely difficult conditions, demonstrating both effectiveness and resolve in defending state interests.
These successes underscore the SBU's crucial role in ensuring national security and stability during wartime.
The continuation of special operations and the refinement of technologies, such as underwater drones, point to a strategic approach to national defense. The SBU's active role in preventing crimes also demonstrates its commitment to countering internal threats, which is vital for maintaining order and security within the country.
In light of the SBU's recent successes, it is crucial to understand the broader context of its operations. For instance, the agency's ability to thwart complex threats is highlighted by its recent efforts against Russian military intelligence. The details of these interventions reveal the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine's security forces and their strategic importance in the current conflict. Explore more about how the SBU dismantled a dangerous assassination plot targeting key figures in the region in our detailed report here.