In a significant wartime leadership reorganization, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has restructured the nation’s security apparatus by replacing Security Service (SBU) chief Vasyl Malyuk and designating Major General Yevhenii Khmara as acting head. This decision represents the latest in a series of strategic personnel adjustments since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The SBU, traditionally responsible for domestic security and counter-intelligence operations, has dramatically expanded its mandate during the conflict, orchestrating sophisticated sabotage missions and targeted assassinations deep within Russian territory. Malyuk, who had commanded the agency since the war’s inception, earned national recognition for his aggressive campaign against Russian assets and successful purging of suspected double agents from SBU ranks.
His removal sparked considerable controversy within Ukrainian defense circles, particularly given his celebrated coordination of last June’s ‘Spider Web’ offensive—a daring operation involving over 100 drones striking Russian airbases. Reports indicating Malyuk’s initial refusal to relinquish his position voluntarily further intensified scrutiny of Zelensky’s decision.
Despite the dismissal, Malyuk will retain operational control over special missions against Russian forces, with Zelensky emphasizing Ukraine’s critical need for ‘asymmetric operations’ and describing Malyuk as uniquely qualified for such tasks.
Khmara, Malyuk’s successor and co-architect of the Spider Web operation, brings substantial battlefield credentials to the role. The decorated officer participated in the liberation of Kyiv region in 2022 and engaged in combat operations against Russian forces in occupied Donetsk. His appointment requires formal confirmation by Ukraine’s parliament, where approval remains uncertain.
Analysts offer divergent perspectives on the leadership transition. Former SBU operative Ivan Stupak suggests the move connects to the recent appointment of former spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as Zelensky’s chief of staff, noting historical tensions between Malyuk and Budanov. Conversely, political analyst Oleksandr Notevskyi praises Khmara’s operational record leading Alpha, one of SBU’s elite divisions, describing him as ‘young, experienced, and specialized in eliminating Russia’s military capacities.’
The restructuring occurs as Ukraine increasingly relies on asymmetric warfare tactics—targeting energy infrastructure, weapons manufacturing facilities, and military airbases—amid challenges in conventional battlefield operations against Russian forces along the eastern front.