The Verkhovna Rada plans to increase the number of SBU staff: what will change in the special service
12 June 2025 15:53
The Verkhovna Rada wants to increase the number of employees of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to 37,000 and assign 10,000 to the Special Operations Center “A”. All of this is envisaged by a new bill submitted to the Ukrainian parliament, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
This is draft law No. 13353, registered in the Verkhovna Rada on June 9, 2025. It was initiated by a group of MPs led by MP Roman Kostenko. The authors of the draft law emphasize that the purpose of the changes they propose is to improve the efficiency of the special service in the context of a full-scale war with Russia and threats that are changing under the influence of modern technologies.
Why reform of the Security Service of Ukraine is urgent
The need to update the legal framework did not arise today. With the beginning of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine in 2014, and especially with the start of a full-scale invasion in 2022, the nature of threats to state security has changed dramatically. The war has shifted from a hybrid phase to a classic armed conflict with large-scale hostilities throughout the country.
The explanatory note to the draft law states that the approaches of a decade ago to the work of the SBU (including the number of personnel, training system, and logistics) have proved insufficient in the new environment. At the same time, the enemy’s technologies are rapidly evolving: from electronic intelligence to robotic systems and drones.
What exactly do MPs propose to change in the work of the SBU?
According to the draft Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on Improving Certain Issues of the SSU”, it is envisaged
- Increase the total number of SSU staff to 37,000 in peacetime, of which 10,000 will perform tasks on the basis of the Special Operations Center “A”, which is responsible for operational and combat activities.
- During a special period (except for martial law), this figure will increase to 41,000 people, with the same 10,000 in the special forces.
- During martial law, the number of SBU personnel will be determined by the Mobilization Plan of Ukraine, but the share of the Special Operations Center “A” should be at least 10 thousand people.
These changes are intended not only to increase the number of SSU employees, but also to retain experienced personnel who have already gained combat experience and are able to effectively respond to both existing and future threats, including in the post-war period.
New technologies for the front and rear
In the document, the authors paid special attention to innovative technologies that the SSU is already actively using. This includes the development of new technical solutions, in particular in the field of unmanned systems, cyber defense and countering sabotage. It is the introduction of technological solutions that has become a key factor in enabling the Security Service to play an important role on the battlefield, alongside the Armed Forces.
In this regard, the MPs propose to expand the legal framework for the use of aircraft, including remotely controlled, surface and underwater drones. According to the current law, the SSU already has the right to use such means, but the authors of the draft law consider it necessary to update the list in accordance with the current development of unmanned aerial vehicles in Ukraine.
Optimization of the structure
In addition, the draft law proposes to eliminate duplication in the legislation. In particular, the functional units of the SBU Central Directorate are already defined in the law “On the General Structure and Number of the Security Service of Ukraine,” so the initiators of the draft law consider it unnecessary to repeat these provisions in another law.
This seemingly technical clarification is actually important for unifying the legal framework and avoiding legal conflicts in the future,” the explanatory note to the draft law says.
The SBU is not just about intelligence
Another important aspect of the draft law is the recognition of the SSU’s combat status. The explanatory note to the draft law emphasizes that SBU officers not only participate in special operations but also perform combat missions using any type of weapon, acting independently or in coordination with other defense forces.
Thus, the SSU is positioned as a full-fledged element of the defense sector, not just an intelligence and analytical structure.
What to expect next
After registration in the parliament, the draft law will be considered by the relevant committee (its chairman and members received the document today, June 12). It is expected that the issue will arouse public interest, both because of the sensitivity of the topic of intelligence services and the scope of the proposed changes.
Critical remarks are likely to be made during the discussion. In particular, regarding the financing of the increased personnel, the accountability of the SSU, and the possible risks of abuse of power. However, the authors of the draft law are convinced that the reform will help increase the efficiency of the Service, which is a critical factor in times of war.
Against the backdrop of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s security forces are in a constant state of transformation, adapting to the realities of modern warfare. The initiative to expand the SSU is another step in this direction.
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