Poroshenko instructs intelligence services to minimize Russia's influence on elections in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko congratulated the servicemen of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the 26th anniversary of its establishment.
"The head of state stressed that military intelligence, as part of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, is now undergoing modernization. It will expand the country's top political and military leadership capabilities to counteract the aggressor and to obtain high quality, reliable and urgent information", reported the presidential press service.
During the celebrations, Petro Poroshenko noted that the intelligence, together with other special services, should minimize Russia's influence during the Ukrainian elections. Among the intelligence tasks, the president stated timely identification of the Russian special services operations and their special methods of influence.
"Our common goal is to work with our international partners to promptly react and minimize the influence of the Russian Federation, including the electoral process, which is due to take place next year," said Poroshenko.
The Head of State also noted strengthening of the cooperation between the Ukrainian special services, army and international partners with the aim of carefully gathering evidence to bring "the aggressor country" to justice in the international court.
Poroshenko awarded special agents who distinguished themselves during the operation of the Ukrainian Joint Forces.
In 2019, Ukraine will hold both presidential and parliamentary elections. The Ukraine presidential elections, according to the law, are scheduled for March 31, 2019. Elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine should be held on October 27, 2019.