The Security Service of Ukraine in recent years has prevented more than 400 terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage, some of which were directed against the Ukrainian armed forces. This was announced on 1 October by the acting head of the SBU, Major General Oleksandr Poklad, in a statement marking Defenders’ Day in Ukraine.
- The SBU has prevented more than 400 terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage during the Great War.
- Some of the attacks were directed against Ukrainian servicemen.
- SBU counter-intelligence officers are exposing Russian spies, agents and traitors.
- The service carries out operations both at the front and far beyond the front line.
- Oleksandr Poklad emphasised the need to maintain a strong national defence system for Ukraine.
Over 400 foiled terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage
According to Pola, over the years of full-scale war in Ukraine, a national defence system has been established, one element of which is the Security Service. He stated that SBU officers had prevented more than 400 terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage, including operations directed against Ukrainian defenders.
Separately, the SBU had previously reported that In 2026 alone, it recorded more than 300 acts of sabotage and terrorism by Russia. The service attributes a significant proportion of such cases to the activities of the Russian security services and the remote recruitment of perpetrators via messaging apps and social media.
Russian security services are recruiting operatives via the internet
One of the areas of focus for the SBU has been countering remote recruitment Ukrainians.
According to the security services, potential recruits may be offered «easy money» via Telegram, social media, dating sites and other online platforms. Recruiters may pose as employers, volunteers or even law enforcement officers.
In July, the SBU reported, in particular, that two people had been detained FSB agents in the Kharkiv region. According to the investigation, they were planning a terrorist attack against a group of Ukrainian military personnel, whom they intended to invite to a purported charity event.
In September, the security service also announced that it had foiled a plot to carry out a contract killing of a public figure in the Kyiv region. The SBU claimed that the perpetrator who had been detained was working for the Russian security service.
The SBU operates not only behind the lines
Poklad emphasised that, during a full-scale war, the SBU’s activities extend beyond counter-intelligence and combating agent networks within the country. According to him, the security service conducts operations at a considerable distance from the front line, operates directly in combat zones and counteracts attempts to destabilise the situation in the Ukrainian rear.
Officially, the SBU defines itself as the lead agency in the national counter-terrorism system. The Anti-Terrorism Centre within the Service coordinates the work of state bodies in this area and monitors the level of terrorist threats.
Poklad appealed to the Ukrainian defenders
In a statement marking Defenders’ Day, the acting head of the SBU also emphasised the need to preserve Ukraine’s ability to defend its national sovereignty once the war is over. He stated that Ukraine must do everything in its power to emerge from the war strong, sovereign and capable of safeguarding its own future.
