Zelensky backs new SBU missions and calls for further internal cleanout
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the country's main security agency, has been a key player in wartime efforts. Now, after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed off on new missions, he has also instructed the agency to intensify its internal purge and remove employees who do not act in Ukraine's interests. Zelensky described the SBU's work as successful, and First Deputy Chief Oleksandr Poklad presented the agency's priorities for August.
The president said the SBU continues to shoulder critical tasks in resisting Russian aggression. He stressed that the agency's internal structure must be cleansed of those who put themselves before the country.
“I thank everyone in the SBU who genuinely protects our state and our people! Glory to Ukraine!” — President Volodymyr Zelensky
Separately, on June 25, Zelensky approved a 40-day influence operation designed to pressure Russia into ending the war. He did not clarify whether the latest decisions are linked to that earlier operation. Throughout July, the SBU conducted multiple successful attacks on Russian targets and facilities in occupied Crimea.
Main SBU operations
- On July 16, together with the Naval Forces, the SBU struck the tankers Louise 1 and Banda in the Black Sea; both are part of Russia's shadow fleet.
- On July 19, SBU drones hit the tanker Avero and three oil depots in Russia's Stavropol region.
- On the night of July 19, unmanned systems units targeted 13 electrical substations, including ones in occupied Crimea, as well as four shadow-fleet ships in the Black Sea.
- On the night of July 24, the SBU launched long-range strikes on oil refineries, fuel infrastructure, and a radar station in Russia and occupied Crimea.
The president's latest moves reflect a continuing strategy of aggressive resistance to Russian aggression while also strengthening the SBU from within. A thorough internal cleanup could significantly improve the agency's effectiveness in addressing wartime threats. With the recent spate of successful missions, the outlook for the SBU's operational capacity appears increasingly strong.
As the SBU ramps up its internal operations, it's essential to understand the broader context of these actions. The recent approval of new missions by President Zelensky is part of a strategic effort to enhance Ukraine's defense against ongoing Russian threats. For more details on these operations and their implications, you can read about the latest SBU initiatives against Russian aggression.