During the war with Russia, Ukraine relies on its intelligence services more than ever. It was military and foreign intelligence that were behind some of the most daring and effective operations of the conflict – from precision strikes deep in the Russian rear to sabotage. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to replace the leadership of the two key intelligence agencies is now attracting even more attention.
The first change affected Kyryl Budanov. He ended up at the head of the HUR military intelligence.He moved from the position of head of the secret service to a more civilian,but politically extremely influential role. He is now acting as the head of Zelensky’s presidential office.
Shortly after Budanov’s departure, there was also a change in the second pillar of the Ukrainian intelligence system. Vasyl Malyuk, who headed the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and oversaw counterintelligence operations, also resigned.“`html
The SBU has long been divided into two distinct parts. One consists of operational officers and commanders directly involved in the war, who direct counterintelligence and combat operations. Thay enjoy high public trust. The second part represents the power and administrative wing of the service, which moves closer to political structures, deals with personnel issues and is repeatedly associated with controversies and scandals.
Ukraine’s Cyber Warfare Capabilities
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Ukraine has developed significant cyber warfare capabilities, initially as a defensive measure against Russian aggression, but increasingly employing offensive tactics, sometimes operating in legal gray areas.
Early defensive Measures
Following russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent conflict in Donbas,Ukraine prioritized bolstering its cybersecurity defenses. The country faced a barrage of attacks targeting critical infrastructure, government systems, and financial institutions. These early attacks prompted the formation of dedicated cybersecurity units within the security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ministry of Defense.
In 2015, a power outage affecting approximately 230,000 people in western Ukraine was attributed to a cyberattack, marking one of the first publicly known instances of a power grid disruption caused by hacking. This event highlighted Ukraine’s vulnerability and spurred further investment in cybersecurity.
Evolution to Offensive Operations
As Ukraine’s defensive capabilities matured, it began to explore offensive cyber operations, initially focused on gathering intelligence and disrupting Russian propaganda efforts. However, with the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine significantly escalated its offensive cyber activities, targeting Russian military logistics, communications, and financial systems.
Security experts note that these operations have become increasingly complex and efficient, but also frequently operate in legal gray zones, particularly when targeting Russian military and intelligence structures. The line between espionage, sabotage, and acts of war in cyberspace is often blurred, creating legal ambiguities.
Notable Operations: “Spider Web”
Ukraine has publicly acknowledged several successful cyber operations. One prominent example is the SBU’s “Spider Web” operation,conducted in 2023. This operation involved Ukrainian operatives smuggling drones into Russia disguised as commercial products,allowing for reconnaissance and potential attacks within Russian territory.
According to a December 2023 report by the SBU, the “Spider Web” operation allowed Ukraine to gather intelligence on Russian military installations and infrastructure, and to disrupt Russian communications networks. The SBU stated that over 200 drones were successfully delivered and deployed as part of the operation.
International Support and Collaboration
Ukraine has received ample cybersecurity assistance from international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and other NATO allies. This support has included technical expertise, software tools, and training for Ukrainian cybersecurity personnel.
In November 2023, the United States Cyber Command announced a joint initiative with Ukraine to enhance its cyber defence capabilities and share threat intelligence.This collaboration aims to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect its critical infrastructure and counter Russian cyberattacks.
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Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor
Ahmed Hassan brings exceptional international journalism experience with over 16 years covering global affairs, geopolitics, and international conflicts. He has served as a foreign correspondent , reporting from over 40 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Ahmed is fluent in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish, allowing him to conduct interviews and gather news from diverse international sources. He has covered major world events including elections, diplomatic summits, and humanitarian crises. His expertise includes Middle Eastern politics, European Union affairs, and emerging market economies.