Malyuk: SSU agents have their appearance changed through surgeries after working in Russia

Malyuk: SSU agents have their appearance changed through surgeries after working in Russia

The Security Service of Ukraine engages world-renowned plastic surgeons to ensure the safety of its undercover agents after completing missions, stated the head of the service, Vasyl Malyuk.

This was reported by Malyuk in an interview with the TV channel "My-Ukraine".

 "The most important element is, first and foremost, the safety of these people. And when they return from enemy lines, having carried out one or another extremely complex operation, the primary task is to ensure their safety.

Therefore, here with us, there is an entire program, a set of security measures. In particular, if necessary and with the direct agreement of the source, we indeed change their appearance".

In response to a clarifying question about whether this has really happened, Malyuk stated that it has happened more than once. 

"Of course, and repeatedly. There are top plastic surgeons with world-renowned names who contribute their efforts to this. Then, cover documents are prepared. And these people start their lives anew. From scratch, essentially, if we understand that the enemy is tracking them and wants to catch up with them", – said the head of the SSU.

He also added that there are "many other specific types of support" for them, including providing housing.