Activities of the Security Service of Ukraine in the context of national security

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the formation and evolution of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) as a key agency in the national security system from Ukraine’s independence to the present. It examines the historical context of the SBU’s establishment after the dissolution of the USSR and its continuity from Soviet security agencies. Legislative regulation, evolution of functions, powers, and tasks at different stages are discussed. The administrative activities of the SBU, its methods, principles, and peculiarities compared to other law enforcement agencies are analyzed. Attention is given to the SBU’s contribution to countering russian aggression in 2014 – annexation of Crimea and resistance in Donbas. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the SBU’s special unit «A» and other structures in direct combat actions. The administrative activities of the SBU play a crucial role in ensuring national security, encompassing measures to detect, prevent, and stop violations of law. They extend beyond national security to include protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms. The tasks and specifics of the SBU’s functioning in conditions of martial law after russia’s invasion in 2022 are examined. Main directions such as countering saboteurs, ensuring cybersecurity, and documenting war crimes are discussed. The close cooperation between the SBU and the Armed Forces in the combat zone is emphasized. Legislative changes regarding the expansion of SBU’s powers, especially in countering technological terrorism, are analyzed. Prospects for further reform and improvement as a key guarantor of national security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are outlined. Overall, the SBU has undergone a complex path of development, adapting to new challenges. Today, it is crucial for ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and national interests. Further reform and strengthening are essential, especially in the ongoing conflict with russia.