Amid the full-scale war with Russia and preparations for a new round of international negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has initiated a major reshuffle within the country’s security and state institutions. One of the most notable moves was the dismissal of Vasyl Maliuk from his post as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), one of the most prominent and influential Ukrainian security figures in recent years.

Maliuk, a lieutenant general and Hero of Ukraine, had led the SBU since 2022. During his tenure, he transformed the agency from an institution with a controversial reputation into one of the most combat-capable elements of Ukraine’s defense apparatus. Under his leadership, the SBU carried out a number of high-profile special operations, including Operation “Spiderweb”, during which dozens of Ukrainian drones operated deep inside Russian territory, destroying strategic military aircraft stationed at airfields and causing significant damage.

Vasyl Maliuk is a Hero of Ukraine, and former head of the Security Service of Ukraine, under whose leadership the agency became one of the most combat-capable and active institutions in the country’s national security system

Despite widespread recognition of these actions within military circles, on January 5, 2026, Maliuk stepped down as head of the SBU at the president’s initiative. He stated that he would remain within the security system to focus on conducting special asymmetric operations aimed at maximizing pressure on the adversary. Zelenskyy personally thanked him for his contributions to the country’s defense and encouraged him to concentrate on this line of work.

Lieutenant General Yevhen Khmara, commander of the elite SBU “Alpha” unit – one of the most experienced and highly trained special formations in the service – was appointed as acting head of the SBU. Khmara is known for his role in special operations and is regarded as a reliable and steady leader capable of maintaining stability during wartime.

Yevhen Khmara is a seasoned security officer specializing in complex special operations under wartime conditions

This move is part of a broader personnel rotation affecting key positions across Ukraine’s government and security structures. Just days earlier, Zelenskyy appointed Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, as head of the Presidential Administration, replacing Andriy Yermak, who left the post following a corruption scandal. Budanov is one of the most recognizable figures in Ukrainian intelligence, widely respected both domestically and internationally for his strategic operations.

Kyrylo Budanov is one of the most influential and publicly visible figures in the country’s intelligence community, known for high-profile special operations and strategic planning

Further changes are also being discussed within the Ministry of Defense and the energy sector, highlighting Kyiv’s determination to prepare comprehensively for a protracted conflict and to enhance organizational efficiency.

Beyond the security sphere, Zelenskyy appointed former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as an economic adviser. Her task is to assist Ukraine in economic recovery and strengthen international cooperation, reflecting the growing role of Western experts in shaping the country’s postwar recovery strategy.

Chrystia Freeland is a former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada who played a key role in shaping Western sanctions policy and coordinating financial support for Ukraine

Many military professionals and analysts view the reshuffle as a step toward strengthening governance under wartime conditions, while others express concern that the departure of such a prominent and popular figure as Maliuk could affect morale within the security services and weaken their operational potential. Overall, these changes demonstrate Ukraine’s leadership adapting the state apparatus to current military, diplomatic, and domestic challenges, while maintaining pressure on the adversary and reinforcing international support for the country.

#UKRAINE

06.01.2026 08:54