Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service Deploys Its Own Units to Combat Zone

The Foreign Intelligence Service has formed several combat and technical reconnaissance units that are now operating on the front lines.

Head of the FISU, Oleh Ivashchenko, stated this in an interview with the Ukrinform news agency.

Over the past year, under Ivashchenko’s leadership, the agency has undergone structural changes, including the creation of technical intelligence teams and combat units currently deployed in active combat zones.

“How did the situation arise? I was appointed last year, and shortly after, there was a threat of an enemy offensive in one of the directions. We sent the first four integrated technical intelligence teams, along with two combat units, to the front. That’s how our combat history began,” Ivashchenko said.

The Foreign Intelligence Service specializes in gathering intelligence on the military and economic activities of foreign states.

Direct combat is not part of its core mandate, but a special unit known as Rubin reportedly exists within its structure.

Foreign Intelligence Service in the War Against Russia

Due to the nature of its work, the operations of the Foreign Intelligence Service remain classified. However, its personnel have reportedly participated in specific missions in eastern Ukraine since the start of the war in 2014.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion, the service has been involved in uncovering Russian spy networks in Ukraine and abroad.

Operatives have also taken part in special operations behind enemy lines, as confirmed by public references to the agency’s role in eliminating senior Russian military commanders.

With the war ongoing, the distinction between foreign and military intelligence has narrowed as both services work to counter Russian aggression.

“It’s straightforward. The priority is clear — Russia and those who support it. We have two main objectives. First, to provide the President of Ukraine with intelligence on Russia’s domestic and foreign policy, its intentions, economic stability, finances, defense industry, and overall war potential.

The second is to gather and analyze intelligence to support the Defense Forces. We must provide clear assessments of how many tanks, artillery systems, and rounds of ammunition the enemy is producing and delivering to the front line. We also analyze its technological and component dependencies on foreign countries, its critical raw material supply chains, and what can be done to disrupt them. In these areas, our tasks are quite similar to those of the Main Intelligence Directorate,” Ivashchenko said.