SBU says causing panic is another wave of hybrid warfare

Ukraine's SBU State Security Service has said that creating panic is another powerful wave of hybrid warfare.

The SBU said this in a statement posted on its website, Ukrinform reports.

"Today, the domestic information space is under the unprecedented influence. Ukraine has faced attempts related to the systematic creation of panic, the spread of fake information and the distortion of the real situation. All this combined is nothing more than another powerful wave of hybrid warfare," the statement said.

It says the SBU, within its competence, constantly analyzes various scenarios and has a clear plan of action for each of them.

"Together with the state leadership, representatives of the executive and legislative branches, other law enforcement and security authorities, we are ready to respond to the situation not only when the need arises, but in advance. And we are already doing it. At the same time, we fully understand the motives of the current information pressure - to sow alarm in Ukrainian society, to undermine belief in the state's ability to protect its citizens, to shake our unity," the SBU said.

The SBU said it recorded such manifestations of hybrid warfare on social media, in some media outlets, and some politicians spreading the narratives of the aggressor country.

"[The SBU] not only records [such manifestations], but also actively opposes them. This is reflected in the decisions of the National Security and Defense Council, the number of neutralized cyberattacks, the elimination of numerous bot farms, exposing the intelligence networks of foreign intelligence services and preventing sabotage and terrorist attacks. SBU employees work in all regions of the country in full force. We are ready to defend Ukraine," the statement said.

However, stability and peace in the country now depend not only on the government but also on the balanced actions of all Ukrainians, the SBU said.

"We all need to keep calm and sane, not to succumb to provocations. Panic and destabilization benefit only the enemies, not Ukraine. We all need to think critically and check any information; be guided by data from official sources, not anonymous ones; learn to distinguish truth from fakes," the statement said.

The SBU also added that "the strength of Ukraine is not only in a powerful army but in the unity of each of us."

"Together we can defend Ukraine, our freedom, independence and dignity, "the SBU said.

On February 12, in a video address to Ukrainians, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called on citizens not to panic, but to trust the Ukrainian army and believe in their country.

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