Ukraine’s New Military Intelligence Chief Makes First Frontline Visit Since Taking Office

The head of Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), Oleh Ivashchenko, made his first frontline visit since taking office earlier this month, traveling to the Zaporizhzhia front to assess battlefield conditions and intelligence needs, HUR said Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Ivashchenko, who became head of Ukraine’s military intelligence on Jan. 2, after the former HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov was appointed to lead the Office of the President, met with the commander of Ukrainian forces in the sector and unit commanders involved in active combat operations.

According to the intelligence service, the meetings focused on the current situation on the battlefield, Russia’s plans and intentions, and ways to deepen coordination among all components of Ukraine’s Defense Forces – particularly in strengthening all forms of reconnaissance.

A key emphasis of the visit was the need to increase deliveries of modern technical intelligence equipment and to adapt the training of reconnaissance personnel to the demands of contemporary warfare, the statement said.

Ivashchenko also received operational briefings from commanders of military intelligence units engaged on the Zaporizhzhia front and thanked fighters from the Department of Active Operations and the Tymur Special Unit for their daily combat work.

“The fate of Ukraine today depends on our resilience and professionalism,” Ivashchenko said, according to the statement.

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He added that Ukrainian units must be proactive, underscoring the importance of obtaining and maintaining high-quality intelligence. He also praised military intelligence special forces for replenishing Ukraine’s prisoner exchange pool while adhering to international humanitarian law.

During a separate meeting with the leadership of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Ivashchenko discussed priorities for further cooperation to strengthen Ukrainian defenders and improve resistance to Russian forces.

In early January HUR said that fighters from HUR’s Brotherhood unit had carried out a successful deep-penetration raid behind Russian lines in the Zaporizhzhia sector, killing two Russian troops, wounding two others and capturing two prisoners.

According to the statement released by HUR, the sabotage and reconnaissance group from the Brotherhood unit, part of the Tymur Special Unit, conducted the operation in December 2025 near the Kakhovka Reservoir. The fighters operated deep in enemy-held territory before escorting the captured Russian soldiers approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) back to Ukrainian-controlled areas.

During the operation, Ukrainian intelligence officers eliminated two Russian soldiers, wounded two others, and took two of them prisoner, HUR said.

According to HUR, the captives later provided valuable intelligence on the locations of Russian officers, artillery positions, drone operators, troop concentrations, military equipment, and ammunition depots.