The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine is famous for its daring and complex operations behind enemy lines. On the occasion of Military Intelligence Day, we offer you a closer look at the duties of the MIA and recall their most successful operations

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On September 7, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Military Intelligence, which was established a year ago by a decree of President Volodymyr Zelensky. On the account of Ukrainian intelligence officers dozens of successful operations, which amaze with their complexity. We tell you which of them have been most memorable recently.

First of all, it is worth noting that the Defense Ministry's GUR is one of the most important services of the Ukrainian armed forces, responsible for collecting, analyzing and transmitting information about potential threats to national security. This organization is considered one of the most competent and professional military intelligence services in Ukraine and actively works to ensure the national security of the country.

Also, the Defense Ministry's GUR played a huge role against the backdrop of the full-scale invasion of russia. According to some reports, it was the head of the GUR, Kirill Budanov, who on the eve of the invasion reported to the Ukrainian leadership how exactly russian troops would try to start a war against Ukraine. 

In addition, the Main Directorate of Intelligence played an important role during the negotiations on the exchange of prisoners. The large prisoner exchange, during which Ukraine returned hundreds of people, including five commanders, from russia, is a credit to Ukrainian intelligence and other intelligence services.

What memorable operations did the Defense Ministry's GUR military conduct?

Landing of paratroopers in Crimea on Independence Day

As we know from the words of the representative of the GUR Andrey Yusov, on August 24, 2023 GUR units in cooperation with the Navy conducted a landing in the occupied Crimea.

According to media reports, near the village of Mayak on Cape Tarkhankut at about 5 a.m. on August 24, there was a battle involving aircraft and watercraft. It turned out that a radar station (radar station) of the russians was based in this place, and air defense positions were prepared along the perimeter there.

During the operation in Crimea, Ukrainian fighters eliminated about 30 occupants and destroyed equipment and other means.

In addition, the special forces not only fulfilled their goals, but also raised the Ukrainian flag on one of the buildings.

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Operation "Sinitsa" or how a russian Mi-8 landed at an airfield in Ukraine

A day before Independence Day, August 23, Ukrainian journalist Yuri Butusov reported that a russian Mi-8 helicopter, along with its entire crew, flew to the Ukrainian airfield of Poltava and surrendered to the AFU.

As it turned out, this operation was prepared by Ukrainian intelligence for more than half a year. 

"I contacted a representative of Ukrainian intelligence. Explained to them my situation, to which I was offered the option to overtake the airplane and stay in the country. I was guaranteed security, new documents and monetary compensation. Having discussed all the details, we started planning my flight," the russian pilot told about the preparation of the operation.

During the flight, the pilot flew from russia's Kursk to Kharkiv region. He flew part of the route at the lowest possible altitude in radio silence mode. When the border crossing was taking place the Mi-8 opened fire, probably it was russians. As a result of small arms fire, Kuzminov was wounded.

The crew did not have weapons with them, so after landing, two other russians on board could not resist, in particular because the navigator did not have piloting skills.

As a result, a military plane with parts for fighter jets that the Mi-8 was carrying for the russians was moved to the territory of Ukraine.

The Defense Ministry's GSD called this operation the most successful and the first of its kind in Ukraine's history.

Destruction of airplanes at russian airfields

Under the direction of Ukrainian intelligence, agents attacked a military airfield in Soltsy, Novgorod Region, russia, with drones on the morning of August 19.

As a result of the strike, a Tu-22 M3 strategic bomber was destroyed and two more aircraft were damaged.

A few days later, on August 21, in the Kaluga region of russia, two more russian bombers were damaged as a result of a drone attack controlled by GUR saboteurs at the Shaykovka airfield.

Already on the night of August 30, a military airfield where Il-76 military transport planes were based was attacked under the direction of Ukrainian intelligence and other units in the russian city of Pskov.

As a result of the successful operation, four Il-76s were destroyed and two more were damaged.

The Ukrainian Intelligence Service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's GUR continues to effectively combat threats to national security and actively develop its skills and technologies. These operations are only a small part of their work and they continue to serve for the benefit of Ukraine, ensuring its defense and security.

The Visit Ukraine team congratulates Ukrainian intelligence officers on their professional holiday. Glory to Ukraine!

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