December 27 is the Day of Counterintelligence of the Security Service in Ukraine, and the International Day of Preparedness for Epidemics and Snowflake Cutting Day in the world.
SBU counterintelligence day
This is a professional holiday dedicated to the activities of the Counterintelligence Department of the SBU. This date symbolizes the importance of the work of counter-intelligence agents, who stand guard over national security, protecting the state from external espionage influences, sabotage and internal threats. Counterintelligence is one of the key directions of work of the SBU, designed to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, ensuring stability in difficult political conditions.
The Counterintelligence Department of the SBU is engaged in identifying and neutralizing spy networks, exposing terrorist conspiracies, as well as countering cyberattacks that can harm strategically important facilities of the country. This body acts not only as a shield against external aggressions, but also as a powerful tool in the fight against internal crime that can threaten national security.
Interesting facts about SBU counterintelligence
Counterintelligence in Ukraine has a long history dating back to Soviet times, but after gaining independence, it has undergone radical changes aimed at adapting to modern challenges. One of the greatest successes of the Counterintelligence Department was the exposure of agents associated with foreign intelligence services who acted to the detriment of Ukraine’s interests. In addition, the technical base for countering cyber threats has been significantly strengthened in recent years.
Over the years of independence, SBU counterintelligence exposed hundreds of spies and agents of influence who worked for foreign intelligence services. One of the most high-profile cases was the discovery of agents working for the special services of the Russian Federation.
In today’s world, cyber threats are becoming one of the key challenges. The counterintelligence department of the SBU successfully blocks attempts by hacker groups to gain access to classified information and critical infrastructure of the country.
Ukrainian counterintelligence actively cooperates with partners from the EU and NATO, which allows a quick response to global challenges, such as international terrorism and hybrid threats.
One of the main areas of work is the prevention of sabotage at strategically important facilities, in particular at energy and transport hubs. This activity became especially relevant during the war in eastern Ukraine.
International Epidemic Preparedness Day
This day, founded by the UN General Assembly, is designed to remind about the importance of preparedness for epidemics and to strengthen international cooperation in this area. The creation of such a day was a response to the global challenges associated with the spread of infectious diseases, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the critical need for coordinated action to prevent catastrophic consequences.
The main goal of this initiative is to promote awareness of the risks of epidemics, support scientific research, introduce modern technologies in the field of medicine and improve the efficiency of health care systems. In addition, the day aims to build a global culture of responsibility that involves transparency, data sharing and rapid response to threats.
This date reminds governments, international organizations and society of the need to invest in prevention, strengthen early warning systems and ensure access to the necessary resources to fight future epidemics.
Interesting facts
In various historical periods, epidemics had a devastating effect on humanity. For example, the “black death” (plague) in the 14th century killed about a third of the population of Europe. The study of such disasters became the basis for the development of modern preventive measures.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of international organizations such as WHO has increased. Their recommendations and coordination efforts helped produce vaccines in record time.
Modern artificial intelligence and big data systems are used to predict epidemics and quickly identify disease outbreaks.
As part of preparedness for epidemics, special trainings are conducted for medical personnel and organizations, aimed at practicing coordination of actions in crisis situations.
In many countries, strategic reserves of medicines, vaccines and protective equipment are being created, which allow a quick response to new challenges.
Snowflake cutting day
This unusual and cozy holiday reminds us of the joy of simple things, when an ordinary sheet of paper turns into a work of art, adding to the festive mood and creating the atmosphere of a winter fairy tale.
The tradition of cutting paper snowflakes is popular among children and adults all over the world. This activity is associated with New Year’s preparations, because snowflakes are often used to decorate Christmas trees, windows, gifts or interiors. The process of carving not only develops creativity and imagination, but also gives an opportunity to relax, spend time with family or friends, creating winter decor together.
Snowflakes symbolize uniqueness, because no two are identical in nature. Cutting paper analogues allows everyone to create their own, unique beauty. This activity is suitable for all ages and requires no special materials or skills – just paper, scissors and inspiration.
Interesting facts
Scientists confirm that each snowflake has its own unique structure due to different freezing conditions of water vapor.
Snowflake carving has ancient roots in various cultures. In China, it is part of the traditional art of paper cutting used to decorate festive events.
American photographer Wilson Bentley, known as “Snowflake” Bentley, was one of the first to photograph snow crystals in the 19th century, revealing their incredible beauty to people.
Cutting snowflakes is relaxing and helps you focus, just like meditating or coloring.
Snowflakes can be cut in a wide variety of shapes — from classic geometric to stylized, for example, in the form of symbols or silhouettes.
Completion of work on the film “Only old men go to battle”
On December 27, 1973, at the Kyiv Dovzhenko Film Studio, Leonid Bykov completed work on the film “Only “old men go to battle”, where he acted as a screenwriter, director and performer of the main role. This film has become iconic in the history of Ukrainian cinema, touching millions of viewers.
Filming took place near Kyiv and Chernihiv and lasted almost five months. Hero of the Soviet Union Vitaly Popkov became the prototype of the main character, the commander of the guard squadron Captain Tytarenko, known as “Maestro”. During the war, Popkov served in the legendary 5th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment under the command of Vasily Stalin. His squadron was called “singing” due to the fact that it had its own choir, and two planes were donated to the front by the Utyosov orchestra. One of them even had the words “Fun Guys” on it.
However, some events in the film are Bykov’s fiction. For example, the image of the “Grasshopper” as well as the novel of the Uzbek pilot named Marnsaev with the pilot “Juliet” and their tragic death were created by the director to enhance the drama of the plot.
Some scenes, on the other hand, were based on real events. Yes, the episode where “Maestro” was captured by his own people and had to hit one of the escorts to prove his belonging to the Red Army had a real prototype. The habit of the “Makarich” mechanic to christen planes before takeoff was just as real. The legendary line: “Makarich, accept the device! They changed without looking!” — also has its roots in reality.
This film has remained in the memory of many generations as a sincere and warm story about humanity, friendship and self-sacrifice in the most difficult circumstances of war. Leonid Bykov put a piece of his soul into it, creating a real masterpiece.
