The History of Military Intelligence: Nominees of the Second National Forum of Talented Youth Visit the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine
Nominees of the Second National Forum of Talented Youth in the categories “Science of Victory” and “Code of the Future” visited the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. This marked the second event in the 2026 awards programme organised by the Fund of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science, and Sports for Forum laureates.
The visit brought together participants from fields such as science, STEM, mathematics, robotics, IT, informatics, biophysics, and aerospace engineering. For these young people, security, technology, engineering thinking, and responsibility for the country are not abstract concepts, but integral to their future professional paths.
The programme began with a visit to the memorial dedicated to fallen intelligence officers, created on the initiative of Kyrylo Budanov. The sculpture, shaped like wings, bears the names of the fallen heroes, while the word “Eternity” is engraved in multiple languages at its centre. This space set the tone for the entire visit: a conversation about knowledge, technology, and the state began with remembrance of those who gave their lives for Ukraine.
Participants then explored the history of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, its symbols, awards, insignia, flags, and the stories of its officers-heroes, as well as the work of its special units. Particular attention was given to maritime, aerial, and technological domains, including naval drones Magura, operations to liberate Zmiinyi Island, the sinking of the Moskva warship, the restoration of control over the “Boyko towers,” support for the defenders of Azovstal, as well as drones such as Liutyi and Bober. The exhibition also featured destroyed Russian drones, missiles, and guided aerial bombs.
The group also visited the unique military museum of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, tracing the history of military intelligence from the Cossack era to the present-day war. For young people already achieving distinction in mathematics, biology, physics, robotics, IT, and engineering, the visit clearly demonstrated the direct link between knowledge and a country’s capacity to defend itself.
One participant’s reflection captured the essence of the visit: “After the war ends, the heroic deeds of our intelligence officers must become widely known.” For the Fund, it is essential that young Ukrainians see not abstract history, but real people, decisions, technologies, and institutions that enable Ukraine to defend itself and develop.
Throughout 2026, the Fund continues its programme of experiential awards for Forum nominees. Planned activities include visits to the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, the the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the “White Elephant” observatory on Mount Pip Ivan Chornohora, the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre, a training session with a star athlete, and a formal dinner with Count Rozumovskyi at the palace in Baturyn.
For the Fund of the President of Ukraine, these initiatives are part of a broader, systemic effort to retain talent and strengthen human capital in Ukraine. Young people should see that the country offers strong institutions, professional environments, a culture of memory, cutting-edge science, technological advancement, and real opportunities to make an impact. This helps them build their future in Ukraine – to study, work, create, and take responsibility for the country.
The Fund expresses its gratitude to the Head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Oleh Ivashchenko, as well as the representatives of the Main Directorate of Intelligence Andrii Yusov and Yevhenii Yerin, for organising the visit and providing a meaningful programme that allowed participants to engage with military intelligence through history, memory, technology, and responsibility.
We also thank all participants of the visit: Anastasiia Soloviova, Yurii Davydko, Andrii Shehynskyi, Danylo Bezia, Arian Hrushevskyi, Zakhar Amboziak, Stanislav Tarasenko, Liliia Khrushchova, Mykhailo Kyrychenko, Mariana Ostapenko, Petro Moroz, Mark Biriukov, and Bohdan Topchii.
The visit to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine continues a broader series of engagements designed to connect young people with leading state, scientific, cultural, and professional environments. Earlier, nominees in the “Power of the Word” category received their award experience by visiting the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre, exploring its behind-the-scenes activity, and attending a performance of “The Servant of Two Masters.”
Background
The Fund of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science, and Sports is a state institution dedicated to fostering and systematically supporting talented Ukrainians in education, science, and sports, with the aim of restoring and advancing human potential and strengthening Ukraine’s global leadership.
The Fund established the National Forum of Talented Youth as a platform to recognise young Ukrainians’ achievements at the national level, build a strong talent community, and showcase real opportunities for professional development within Ukraine.
The Second National Forum of Talented Youth took place on 23 January 2026 in Kyiv, bringing together over 600 participants, including winners of international and national Olympiads, participants of WRO 2025, students with top national exam scores, medalists of the 2025 Youth Olympic Games, and young researchers. During the Forum, 56 outstanding laureates were awarded by the Fund based on their 2025 achievements. The event was supported by representatives of business, international organisations, and civil society.
