Zelensky replaces the head of the security service. Vasil Maliuk announced his resignation, but remains in the SBU. Who could take his place?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Monday that he wants to replace the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Vasyl Maliuk, as part of a wider reshuffle at the level of the state leadership, which also included changing the presidential chief of staff.
Vasil Maliuk announced his resignation. PHOTO: Facebook
The announcement was made on the Kiev leader's Facebook page, where he said he had asked Maliuk to focus more on combat operations.
“There must be more Ukrainian asymmetric operations against the occupier and the Russian state and more solid results in eliminating the enemy,” Zelenski said, emphasizing that this is Vasil Maliuk's main strength.
The Ukrainian president stated that he entrusted him with the mission of conducting Ukraine's asymmetric operations “the most powerful in the world”, benefiting from the necessary resources and political support.
Shortly after Zelenski's statements, Vasil Maliuk announced his resignation as SBU head.
He stated that he will remain in the service to conduct asymmetric special operations “world class”, meant to provoke “maximum damage to the enemy”, it is mentioned in a statement quoted by Kyiv Post. Maliuk thanked the president for the changes initiated in the defense sector, which he considers essential for the security of the Ukrainian state.
Vasil Maliuk took over the leadership of the SBU in 2023, and during his tenure the service carried out several large-scale operations, including attacks on the Kerch Bridge in Crimea and on bases where Russian strategic bombers were stationed.
According to Kyiv Post sources, the interim leadership of the SBU will be taken over by Yevhen Hmara, head of the Alpha Special Operations Center.
Maliuk's resignation comes amid a series of high-level staff changes. Kirilo Budanov was appointed head of the Presidential Office, Mihailo Fedorov was moved to the Ministry of Defense, and Denis Shmihal to Energy.
Zelenskiy said he plans to continue rotating security, law enforcement and military leadership to bring “fresh forces” as the war continues, stating that most of the replaced officials will remain in the government in other capacities.
