Security Service of Ukraine Day: history, role of the SSU during the war and interesting facts

Every year on March 25, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Security Service of Ukraine - a professional holiday of people who protect the state every day. Find out how the SSU came into being, what role it plays today, and why this holiday is important for every Ukrainian

Order Visit Ukraine branded merchandise and support Ukraine (worldwide delivery)

ORDER

Every day in Ukraine, work is being done that most people don’t even realize. Many threats remain unnoticed by society precisely because they are stopped before they become a reality. The operations of the Security Service of Ukraine rarely become public, but behind each such result are lives saved, territories preserved, and the stability of the state.

That is why the Security Service of Ukraine Day is not just a date, but an occasion to reflect on the role played by those who work in the shadows every day for the security of the country.

When is SSU Day celebrated and how did the holiday appear?

Security Service of Ukraine Day is celebrated on March 25. It was on this day in 1992 that the Law of Ukraine “On the Security Service of Ukraine” was adopted, which determined the creation of a separate national state security body.

The professional holiday was officially established later – in 2001 in accordance with the decree of the President of Ukraine.

The creation of the SSU was one of the key steps in the formation of an independent state after the collapse of the USSR. The new service received an important mission - to protect the sovereignty, constitutional order and security of Ukrainian citizens.

In the previous article, we talked about the history of the approval of the State Flag of Ukraine.

What are the main functions of the SSU?

The Security Service of Ukraine is not only about special operations or the fight against spies, but a complex structure that works in several critically important areas at once:

- Counterintelligence and counteraction to foreign special services;

- Combating terrorism;

- Exposing sabotage groups;

- Protecting state secrets;

- Cybersecurity and protecting the information space;

- Fighting corruption and organized crime;

- Participation in special operations during war.

It is worth noting the special unit “A” (Alpha), which performs anti-terrorist tasks and participates in the most complex operations.

The Role of the SSU During the War

Since 2014, after the beginning of the Russian aggression, the role of the SSU has significantly increased. In particular, the service's work has focused on combating hybrid warfare, exposing agent networks, countering separatism, and preventing sabotage.

With the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, the SSU has switched to wartime operation and is performing even more critically important tasks:

- Disarming sabotage and intelligence groups.

- Documenting the war crimes of the Russian Federation.

- Fighting collaborationism.

- Protecting critical infrastructure.

- Countering cyberattacks.

- Participation in combat and special operations.

Today, the SSU is not only a special service, but one of the key elements of Ukraine's defense system.

The Security Service of Ukraine has been systematically countering the activities of enemy agents and sabotage groups. According to open data, since the spring of 2024 alone, more than 700 people have been detained for cooperation with the Russian special services, including espionage, sabotage, and arson. A significant number of minors have also been identified among them. In addition, the SSU continues to expose agents within the Defense Forces and also liquidates enemy agent networks.

Martial law and mobilization remain in force in Ukraine: the president signed new laws that determine the further conditions of the special regime in the country. Read here until what date martial law and general mobilization have been extended.

How is SSU Day celebrated today?

On this day, official events are held throughout the country, during which service personnel are honored, as well as the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine is honored. Special attention is paid to the professional achievements and contribution of employees to the security of the state.

For the employees themselves, this is primarily a day of professional honor and responsibility. The units recall key moments of service, thank veterans and honor those who gave their lives while fulfilling their duty to the country.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Interesting facts about the SSU

- The SSU was created almost immediately after the declaration of independence of Ukraine and became one of the first state bodies.

- During its existence, the SSU has uncovered thousands of spy networks and sabotage groups, but most of the service's operations remain classified.

- The SSU has one of the most powerful cyber defense units in Eastern Europe. Its specialists counter large-scale cyber attacks on state institutions and critical infrastructure, and also cooperate with international partners to combat global cyber threats.

- Many employees receive awards without public publicity; due to the specifics of their work, their achievements are not publicly disclosed.

- During war, the service performs tasks not only in the rear, but also directly at the front.

Ukraine is strengthening its position in the global security system and is increasingly perceived as one of the key military forces in Europe. This material discussed the country's place among the world's strongest armies in 2026.

The most successful SSU operations in 2025

During 2025, the SSU carried out precise and systematic strikes both on the territory of the Russian Federation and on temporarily occupied Ukrainian lands, significantly reducing the enemy's military potential. Among the key operations:

- Operation "Web", during which 41 strategic aircraft were hit in just a few hours, and the Russian side's losses reached over 7 billion dollars;

- Attack by underwater drones "Sub Sea Baby" in Novorossiysk Bay, as a result of which a submarine of the "Varshavyanka" class, a carrier of "Caliber" missiles, was hit;

- The third strike on the Crimean bridge, which damaged its supporting structures;

- Long-range strikes on oil refineries in the deep rear of the Russian Federation, which led to a reduction in oil exports by more than 30% and affected the work of the shadow fleet;

- Destruction of significant amounts of enemy equipment both at the front and in the rear.

The SSU notes that this is only part of the systematic work, which is aimed daily at weakening the enemy, and such operations will continue in the future.

The Day of the Security Service of Ukraine is not just a date on the calendar, but a holiday of people who work in difficult and often dangerous conditions so that the country remains strong and independent. During a full-scale war, the role of the SSU has become even more noticeable and important. Its employees daily counteract threats that can affect the lives of millions of Ukrainians.

March 25 is a day of gratitude, respect and memory. We congratulate all employees of the Security Service of Ukraine on their professional holiday. Thank you for your dedication, strength and daily work for the security of the state!

Support for Ukraine is manifested not only in great deeds, but also in the daily decisions and symbols that we choose. Patriotic merch from Visit Ukraine helps you emphasize your position, remain part of the community and openly demonstrate the values ​​that unite Ukrainians.

Check out the collection of patriotic merch from Visit Ukraine and choose the items that resonate with you - do your part to support Ukraine today.

Let us remind you! Day of the Patrol and Patrol Service and Day of the Aviation Navigation Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is an opportunity to remember people whose daily work often remains "behind the scenes", but without it the security of the country is impossible. It is these units that ensure order on the ground and the accuracy of actions in the sky, on which the lives of military and civilians depend. We have already talked about those who daily keep Ukraine's course for security and stability.

Photo – facebook.com/SecurSerUkraine

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.