On October 1, Ukraine will celebrate the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, a holiday that has gained particular relevance during the full-scale Russian invasion.
This holiday is a symbol of gratitude to all those who risk their lives for the sake of security and peace in the country. On this day, we honor not only the military, but also all those who are fighting for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On the occasion of the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, we are telling you about those who defend the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
After the restoration of Ukraine's independence in August 1991, in order to protect the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the creation of the military intelligence system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine began in parallel with the formation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Thus, in February 1992, the formation of the Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine began. With the formation of the Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the main efforts were focused on uniting the intelligence structures of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under a single leadership, and establishing a peacetime intelligence system.
Further steps required solving the problems of deploying military strategic intelligence structures. In this regard, according to the Decree of the President of Ukraine of September 7, 1992, it was decided to form the Military Strategic Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
On July 6, 1993, according to the Decree of the President of Ukraine, the formation of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine began on the basis of the Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Defence Strategic Intelligence of Ukraine.
On April 14, 1994, by the Decree of the President of Ukraine, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine was renamed into the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU). Since then, a comprehensive, effective and multi-level system of military intelligence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been developing.
The official slogan of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) is Sapiens dominabitur astris, which means "The wise will rule over the stars". This slogan reflects the essence of the work of Ukrainian intelligence, which requires wisdom, knowledge and foresight to perform the most difficult tasks behind enemy lines.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Main Intelligence Directorate has been actively involved in sabotage, reconnaissance, and corrective operations. However, these activities remain mostly classified. At the same time, there are many that have already become part of history: for example, the participation of DIU units in the defense of Hostomel, helicopter sorties to Azovstal, the expulsion of Russian occupiers from Zmiinyi Island, a counteroffensive in Slobozhanshchyna, coordination of strikes on targets in Crimea, and sabotage operations on the peninsula.