Constitutional principles of intelligence activities in Ukraine

The article examines the constitutional and legal nature of the foundations of the activities of intelligence agencies. By comparing the legislative norms of European countries, the general principles of organizational and functional support for the activities of intelligence agencies in their legal systems are determined. To consider the main areas of intelligence activity in the field of ensuring national security and defense. Key issues and prospects for development in the field of information intelligence in cyberspace are identified. The purpose of the study is a comprehensive study of the constitutional and legal principles of organizing the activities and functioning of intelligence agencies in Ukraine, taking into account the processes of European integration. The materials of the study are: 1) regulatory and legal support for the regulation of intelligence activities; 2) works of domestic and foreign authors conducting their scientific and practical research in the field of legal foundations of intelligence activities. The following methods were used in the research process: philosophical, general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge, in particular synthesis, analysis, induction, deduction, structural-functional method and others. The concept and essence of intelligence activities, its meaning and main idea are described. The issue of ensuring the effectiveness and expediency of the activities of intelligence agencies is considered. The issue of the basic constitutional principles that regulate the implementation of intelligence agencies’ activities is revealed. Their list includes, first of all, the rule of law, legality, observance of constitutional rights and freedoms, protection of the legitimate interests of society and the state. The theoretical aspects of the intelligence community’s activities are highlighted. The directions of development and implementation of new mechanisms of activity in the field of national security and defense are outlined for the implementation of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic course under martial law. Analysis of challenges and threats to national security caused by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Based on the above, the innovation of Ukrainian legislation in the system of activities of intelligence agencies is characterized, taking into account foreign experience.