Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Day: history, significance and importance today

On 24 January, Ukraine celebrates a day dedicated to people who work every day for the security of the state outside the public eye. Foreign intelligence plays a key role in protecting national interests, shaping strategic decisions and countering threats in a complex international environment. Learn more about the history, role and significance of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Day today

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On 24 January, Ukraine celebrates Foreign Intelligence Day — a date that combines a century of statehood with the modern struggle for the country's security. This is a day dedicated to those whose work rarely makes the headlines but who influence decisions that determine the future of the state on a daily basis.

We will tell you more about the origins of Ukrainian foreign intelligence, its path in independent Ukraine, and its significance in wartime in this article.

The history of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Day

The beginning of Ukrainian foreign intelligence dates back to 24 January 1919. It was then that the Foreign Information Department was created within the Political Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Ukrainian People's Republic. Its mission was to gather information about the enemies of the young state and analyse the international environment — who could become an ally and who posed a threat.

This date became a symbolic starting point for the entire Ukrainian intelligence system. In 2018, a decree by the head of state officially established Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Day, which is celebrated every year on 24 January as a tribute to historical continuity and a profession that works proactively.

Foreign intelligence in modern Ukraine

After regaining independence in 1991, Ukraine began to form its own security apparatus. The then National Security Service established the Main Intelligence Directorate, tasked with informing the state leadership about external risks and threats.

An important milestone was the adoption in March 2001 of the Law ‘On Intelligence Agencies of Ukraine,’ which defined the basic principles of intelligence activities, its powers, and interaction with other institutions. Already in 2004, a separate body, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, was formed on the basis of several specialised units. The final legislative formalisation took place in 2005 after a decision by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

A new stage in the development of the intelligence community was cemented by the Law ‘On Intelligence,’ adopted in 2020. It clearly delineated the tasks of the various services and established rules for their coordination within a single national security system.

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The importance of Ukraine's foreign intelligence

Today, foreign intelligence is about analysing, forecasting and warning about decisions that could affect the security of the state. At a time of full-scale Russian aggression, its role has become critically important, as the effectiveness of diplomacy, defence planning and international support for Ukraine depends on timely data.

The work of intelligence officers often goes unnoticed, but it is precisely this work that allows the state to act with an understanding of the global context and the intentions of its adversaries.

Foreign Intelligence Day is a reminder of the continuity of Ukrainian statehood, of the country's ability to defend its interests not only on the battlefield, but also in the complex world of international politics.

It is a day of respect for people who work in the shadows, but for the light of Ukraine's future.

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