Ukraine should tear up the treaty on not engaging in intelligence and counter-intelligence activities against Russia that Kyiv has been following since independence, ex-deputy head of Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Oleksandr Skybynetsky has said.
“As one can see in the light of recent events, Ukraine’s doctrine of having a taboo on the execution of operations against the Russian secret services has been a complete failure. The situation is similar to unilateral disarmament at a time when an allegedly friendly partner not just has arms, but is also carrying out active [attacks],” he said at the press conference on March 21.
Skybynetsky said that despite repeated cases of spying by the Russian security services being recorded by the Ukrainian security services, these cases have not been properly investigated, and concrete documented facts of Russian spying on the territory of Ukraine “have been soft-pedaled in the spirit of brotherhood and friendship between our countries.”
“Now the moment of truth has come. It’s evident that it’s the time to abandon the idea of non-existent ‘gentlemenly’ deals and to start a real, not pretend counteraction against the foreign security services,” he added.
The former SBU worker warned against cutting financing of the security services and army.
“Now there is not a best time to cut expenses on the defense and security services,” Skybynetsky said.
