The Office of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

The NCCC and Company DefenseMed Innovations Signed Cooperation Memorandum On Monday, March 17, Deputy Head of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center of the NSDC of Ukraine, Serhiy Demedyuk, and the founder of the American company DefenseMed Innovations, Anna Bon, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. Serhiy Demedyuk noted that the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation is an important step toward strengthening cybersecurity resilience, exchanging advanced technologies, and protecting the critical infrastructure of our country. "Joint efforts of Ukraine and the private sector in countering modern cyber threats are the key to a secure digital future," - he emphasized. According to the Memorandum, the parties agreed to establish cooperation in the following areas: ? facilitating access to educational resources for Ukrainian cybersecurity specialists, with the aim of improving their skills and professional development; ? support for scientific and technical cooperation projects, promotion of the transfer of cutting-edge technologies, exchange of experiences, and best practices;? ? exchange of information on opportunities for Ukrainian enterprises to participate in American and international digital programs; ? facilitation of the development of a network of innovation and competence centers in cybersecurity, information sharing and analysis centers for cyber threats (ISACs) in Ukraine, as well as the development of public-private partnerships in the field of cybersecurity; ? support for the implementation of projects aimed at involving women, veterans, and youth in the field of cybersecurity. The company DefenseMed Innovations, Inc. (USA) implements projects that are changing global standards in the protection of medical data and the improvement of healthcare systems through the use of artificial intelligence technologies. The company provides strong support to medical institutions and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, delivering critical resources and innovations amid the war.

Evolution of Cyber Threats in the OSCE Region of Responsibility: Natalia Tkachuk Participated in the OSCE Security Committee Meeting. Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Service of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Secretary of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center, Natalia Tkachuk, participated online in the OSCE Security Committee meeting, which took place on Tuesday, March 11, in Vienna (Austria). The event focused on the topic ?Protection and Resilience: The Evolution of Cyber Threats in the OSCE Area of Responsibility?. Participants discussed the increasing level of cyber threats to OSCE countries, driven by the rise in malicious activity in cyberspace, cyber aggression from the russian federation, and the use of advanced technologies by malicious actors. In her presentation, Natalia Tkachuk outlined the current landscape of cyber threats to Ukraine and Europe, with the russian federation as their source. The Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Service shared Ukraine's experience in building cyber resilience amid the full-scale invasion and emphasized the need for developing more effective mechanisms of international cooperation to counter cyber aggression from the russian federation against European countries ?The OSCE's confidence-building measures in cyberspace are important within the framework of cyber diplomacy and enhancing cooperation among partner states. However, countering the current threats from the terrorist state, the russian federation, requires the development of more effective joint tools?,- emphasized Natalia Tkachuk. During the meeting, participants also discussed prospective areas of work for OSCE structures to strengthen support for member countries in building their own cyber resilience.

?In Defense of Democracy?: Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine opened the Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2025 Good afternoon, esteemed colleagues! Thank you for the invitation. Modern technologies are transforming the world, particularly information technologies. They create numerous opportunities while also posing complex challenges and, at times, dangerous threats of both a global and local nature. This is especially true for the rapid development and large-scale use of cyber technologies. Today, mastery of these technologies is a key indicator of power, the ability to protect oneself, and securing a rightful place under the sun. The breakthrough of recent years is artificial intelligence, particularly large linguistic models. Undisputed leadership in this area belongs to companies from the United States and China. At the same time, European countries, unfortunately, are significantly lagging behind in this field. This lag could create substantial problems for the economic development and security of EU member states in the near future. Therefore, the priority task is to do everything possible to bridge the existing gap. To achieve this, it is essential to first recognize the problem, simplify regulations, and support startups. I hope that today’s discussion will bring forward rational proposals. The second issue is cybersecurity. The course of the large-scale Russian invasion has once again proven the importance of confrontation in cyberspace. We all remember well that the Russian military offensive was preceded by large-scale cyberattacks. I would like to emphasize that the Russians approach the situation systematically, using cyber tools in conjunction with kinetic means of influence: bombs, missiles, and Shahed. We must treat this with no less responsibility and creativity. I emphasize the critical importance of cyber resilience, the ability of information systems to function in complex and extremely difficult security conditions, their ability to restore resources in conditions of resource limitations and enemy resistance. War is a tragedy, but it provides invaluable experience for which the highest price has been paid — the price of human lives. We must learn from and make use of this experience. We must always remember that the resilience of critical information infrastructure is an integral part of the security and resilience of a state’s critical infrastructure. Strengthening it is not only the responsibility of the state but also of society. A special role here belongs to public-private partnerships. Cyberspace is fundamentally international. And ensuring security within it is impossible without international cooperation and partnerships. I wish everyone present a productive professional discussion and the development of practical recommendations. Thank you for your attention.

The Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2025 has begun On March 11, Kyiv hosts the International Cyber Resilience Forum 2025, themed “Defending Democracy”. The event brings together Ukrainian and international representatives from the public sector, business, the cyber community, technology companies, and leading industry experts to discuss key cybersecurity challenges. The event was opened by Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, who, in his speech, emphasized that modern information and cyber technologies not only unlock limitless opportunities but also present complex challenges and threats. Mastery of these technologies defines not only a state's technological capability but also its security, resilience, and strategic role on the global stage. ?Strengthening cyber resilience is of utmost importance—the ability of information systems to operate in complex and extremely challenging security environments, to restore their resources even under constraints, and to withstand active adversarial opposition. Our priority must be to foster innovation, support startups, and enhance the regulatory landscape to bolster both economic and digital security, ensuring a strong and legal position in the global technological arena,? – stated the NSDC Secretary. To learn more about Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2025, please follow the link cyberforumkyiv.org Visuals, Media contact:?[email protected], +380961222209. https://lnkd.in/gpXeGApg

Strengthening Defense Cooperation Discussed: Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Met with a Delegation from the Ministry of National Defense of Poland On Thursday, March 6, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Lytvynenko met with a delegation of the Polish Ministry of National Defense led by State Secretary of the Ministry Pawel Zalewski. The parties discussed coordination with partners regarding effective security guarantees for Ukraine and focused on strengthening mutual cooperation between the defense sectors of Poland and Ukraine. The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine thanked the Polish government and people for their unprecedented support of Ukraine in its resistance to russian aggression and outlined the key defense needs. For his part, State Secretary of the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Poland, Pawe? Zalewski, confirmed his unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and emphasized that his country will continue to stand by Ukraine's side. https://lnkd.in/geQtB9hX

The National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity, with the support of JICA, conducted a three-day integrated cyber training, Hackwave Reloaded 2025. The National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), conducted the integrated cyber exercise Hackwave Reloaded 2025 for representatives of critical infrastructure, energy, and telecommunications sectors. During the training, which took place from February 24 to 26, participants had the opportunity to enhance their practical skills in several areas, including incident response at both technical and organizational levels, crisis communication, and the development of a comprehensive strategy to counter complex cyber, informational, and hybrid attacks within an organization. All training components were integrated into a single scenario, developed based on Ukraine's experience in cyber warfare. “These exercises aim to improve joint response mechanisms to threats in the critical sectors of energy and telecommunications, which are constantly under attack from russia. This is the second such event held within the framework of Ukraine-Japan cooperation. I would like to thank our Japanese partners for their support of Ukraine during this challenging time and for their assistance in defending our country from both kinetic and cyberattacks,” said Serhi? Demediuk, Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, at the opening of Hackwave Reloaded 2025. In Hackwave Reloaded 2025, executives, technical specialists, communications experts, and threat analysts participated, forming groups and teams based on the tasks outlined in the scenario. Participants had the opportunity to enhance their skills through practical training in incident response, crisis communications, and countering disinformation during hybrid attacks. They also competed with colleagues in Capture the Flag challenges, identified potential weaknesses in coordination, and worked on improving response plans during command-post exercises. In total, more than 80 representatives from organizations in the energy and telecommunications sectors took part in the event.

Nataliya Tkachuk: Investing in Youth Today to Build a Strong, Secure and Technologically Advanced Ukraine Nataliya Tkachuk, Head of the Information Security and Cybersecurity Service of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) and Secretary of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC), met with students specializing in cybersecurity as part of the SheCyber Hub initiative launched by the Women’s Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Foundation (WLSIF). During the meeting, participants discussed current challenges in national cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of leadership and professional development for young specialists. Nataliya Tkachuk shared her expertise and underlined the necessity of a strategic approach to strengthening the state’s cyber resilience. “By investing in youth today, we are laying the foundation for a strong, secure, and technologically advanced Ukraine. The young generation will shape the future of cybersecurity, make strategic decisions, and develop the digital landscape. Ukrainian youth possess exceptional intellectual potential, talent, ambition, and determination. They have already demonstrated their readiness to uphold national values, assume responsibility, and drive meaningful change. Our task is to support this potential, provide knowledge, create opportunities for professional growth, and serve as a reliable partner in their development. That is why the NCCC actively supports such initiatives and calls on other institutions to engage,” emphasized Nataliya Tkachuk. The discussion addressed not only the technological aspects of cybersecurity but also the leadership qualities essential for success—strategic decision-making, resilience in the face of challenges, and the ability to advance even in the most demanding circumstances. Students explored career prospects in cybersecurity, professional development pathways, and the core competencies required for excellence in the field. Particular attention was given to Ukraine’s role in establishing new cybersecurity standards that are setting a precedent globally, as well as to the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence in the context of national security. SheCyber Hub serves as a platform connecting female leaders in cybersecurity with students, fostering an environment for open dialogue, knowledge exchange, and professional growth. As part of this initiative, monthly meetings provide students with practical insights, expert guidance, and mentorship from leading professionals shaping the future of Ukraine’s cybersecurity sector. To participate in the following events, students can register using the link:??bit.ly/3WYhEHY

Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine мet with a NATO Headquarters Delegation On Tuesday, February 25, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, met with a delegation from NATO Headquarters, led by the Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Boris Ruge. The delegation also included the Head of the NATO Representation to Ukraine, Patrick Turner, the Head of the Eastern Regional Policy Section, Tanya Hartmann, and Political Advisor Rossitsa Dimitrova. The parties discussed the security situation in Ukraine and globally, joint efforts by the Ukrainian state and the international community to counter russian aggression, and the provision of Western military assistance. In particular,?Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine emphasized the critical need to strengthen air defence systems to repel missile and drone attacks on peaceful Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. For his part, Boris Ruge assured of NATO’s unwavering support for Ukraine and stated that the war concerns not only Ukraine or Europe but the security of the entire world.

Nataliya Tkachuk: We Must Unite Efforts, Exchange Experience and Knowledge to Strengthen Europe’s Collective Cybersecurity The Head of the Information and Cybersecurity Service of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), Secretary of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC), Nataliya Tkachuk, participated in the international event “CyberSecure Trends 2025: Challenges, Innovations, and Development Prospects.” This platform brought together experts to discuss modern threats, cybersecurity strategies, and technological innovations in the field. Opening the event, the NCCC Secretary emphasized the crucial role of close cooperation between government institutions, the private sector, and the academic community in shaping effective cybersecurity mechanisms. She also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration with European partners and noted the significance of the joint Erasmus+ SECURE project with the EU. “russia’s cyber aggression poses a threat not only to Ukraine—EU countries are even more vulnerable to it. That is why we must unite our efforts, exchange experience and knowledge to reinforce Europe’s collective cybersecurity,” Nataliya Tkachuk stressed. One of the key topics of the event was the presentation of the Erasmus+ SECURE project, aimed at developing educational programs in cybersecurity and enhancing international cooperation. The event gathered leading experts from academia, industry representatives, and government officials, who discussed key trends in cellular network development and cybersecurity, the role of artificial intelligence in ensuring security, and the prospects of quantum security. Special attention was given to cybersecurity education and workforce training, as well as the integration of cutting-edge technologies into the educational process— an essential factor in building a resilient and effective cybersecurity system.

Important Security Guarantees: Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Meets with Delegation from the Estonian Ministry of Defense Ukraine requires enhanced armament on the battlefield and tangible security guarantees. This was emphasized on Tuesday, February 18, by the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Lytvynenko, during a meeting with a delegation from the Estonian Ministry of Defense. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Estonia to Ukraine, Anneli Kolk. The Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine briefed the attendees on the situation at the front line and outlined Ukraine’s current defense needs, particularly highlighting the critical necessity of strengthening Ukraine’s air defense to counter russian missile and drone attacks. Special attention was also given to the issue of sanctions policy against the aggressor state. Oleksandr Lytvynenko expressed gratitude to the Estonian government for its significant military, economic, and diplomatic support and noted Ukraine’s interest in defense-industrial cooperation between the two countries. For his part, the First Deputy Minister of Defense of Estonia, Kaimo Kuusk, reaffirmed Estonia’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people and stressed that his country will continue to support Ukraine.202502182.jpeg Ambassador Anneli Kolk concluded that a strong Ukraine means a strong Europe. During the discussion, both sides recognized their mutual interest in maintaining a constructive bilateral dialogue.