Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced significant changes to the leadership of the country’s security services on Monday, confirming the resignation of Vasyl Malyuk as head of the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine). Malyuk, who has led the agency since 2023, will remain within the SBU to focus on “world-class asymmetric special operations,” which include unconventional tactics like cyberattacks and guerrilla warfare.
In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky shared details of a recent conversation with Malyuk, during which they discussed potential successors for the intelligence agency’s top position. Malyuk confirmed his departure through a message on Telegram, stating his commitment to continue contributing to Ukraine’s security efforts.
Malyuk’s tenure was marked by high-profile operations, including significant assassinations and daring missions within Russia. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Malyuk’s service, emphasizing the need for robust covert operations against Russian forces. “I tasked Vasyl Malyuk with making our asymmetric operations the strongest in the world,” Zelensky said.
New Leadership Appointments
As part of the broader restructuring of Ukraine’s security and defense apparatus, Zelensky appointed Yevgeny Khmara as the interim head of the SBU. Khmara currently leads the Centre for Special Operations “A” within the Ukrainian secret service. Zelensky’s reshuffle comes nearly four years after the onset of the war against Russian forces, which began in February 2022.
In addition to the SBU leadership change, Zelensky announced several other key appointments. Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland will serve as an advisor for economic development. Freeland, a former journalist, has Ukrainian roots through her family, which adds a personal dimension to her new role.
Additionally, Kyrylo Budanov, who previously headed military intelligence, will now lead the presidential office. The current deputy head of government and minister for digital transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, is set to assume the defense portfolio, taking over from Denys Shmyhal, who will transition to the role of energy minister. These appointments require parliamentary confirmation before taking effect.
Zelensky’s strategic reshuffle reflects a critical moment for Ukraine as it continues to face challenges on multiple fronts in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of the nation’s security measures, particularly in the realm of intelligence and defense.
