Oleh Ivashchenko, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Russia’s “Sunrise” Must Turn into a “Sunset”
Since the beginning of 2023, Oleh Ivashchenko has served as the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR). A career military intelligence officer, Ivashchenko has a long history in security services, including participation in classified special operations. From 2015 until March 2023, he held the position of First Deputy Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
In an interview with Ukrinform ahead of an armed incident, Ivashchenko discussed the future of the HUR, mobilization in Russia, the Russian economy, and the potential expansion of Russian aggression to NATO countries.
Ivashchenko emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional experience within the HUR and ensuring its capabilities do not depend on the individuals who created them or the current head of the agency. He stated that people in the HUR serve the state, not a surname, and that the organization must abandon the practice of personalizing individuals or units.
Regarding the balance between tactical initiative at the local level and a unified command chain, Ivashchenko advocated for freedom of action within assigned tasks and clear definitions of priorities, powers, and responsibilities. He stressed that intelligence must have a unified command system, clearly defined powers, and accountability, while remaining a separate center of power.
Ivashchenko preferred a low public profile for the head of military intelligence, stating that public appearances are exceptional and that the public image of military intelligence should not be a measure of an organization's effectiveness. He emphasized that the HUR's mission includes informing society about threats to the extent permitted by the nature of intelligence work, helping people and the state prepare rather than creating additional fear.
The chief of the HUR described publicity and accountability as two different things, stating that intelligence cannot disclose its actions publicly but must be accountable through the mechanisms established by law, including parliamentary, financial, and legal oversight. Ivashchenko believed that democratic civilian control strengthens the intelligence service and requires the organization to improve continuously.
He also highlighted the importance of effective communication and cooperation among security and defense agencies, noting that cooperation principles, limits of authority, and approaches to resolving issues must be clear to ensure a professional system.
Written by urgent.news from Ukrinform - Politics's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
