Resignation of Vasyl Maliuk: A Shift in Ukraine's Security Leadership

On January 5, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the resignation of Vasyl Maliuk as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Despite stepping down from the top position, Maliuk will remain within the agency to focus on "world-class asymmetric operations" against Russia, a role he emphasized is crucial for Ukraine's ongoing conflict. This decision comes amid a broader government reshuffle, which has seen several high-profile appointments and dismissals within Ukraine's security apparatus.

Maliuk steps down as head of SBUVasyl Maliuk leaves post of SBU chiefVasyl Malyuk is no longer the head of the SBU – ZelenskyKyiv IndependentEuromaiden PressThe Straits TimesZelenskyy met with the head of the SBU's Special Operations Center "A" Khmara: discussed the development of the Security Service and future special operations

Maliuk's tenure as SBU chief began in February 2023, following the dismissal of his predecessor, Ivan Bakanov, due to alleged treason within the agency. Under Maliuk's leadership, the SBU executed several significant operations against Russian military targets, including the notable Operation Spiderweb in June 2025, which resulted in substantial damage to Russian military assets. However, his leadership has also been marred by controversy, particularly regarding actions against Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions, which critics argue were politically motivated.

Kyiv Independent

Yevhen Khmara, previously the head of the SBU's elite Alpha special operations unit, has been appointed as the acting head of the SBU following Maliuk's resignation. Khmara is recognized for his extensive experience in special operations and is expected to maintain operational continuity within the agency. The transition occurs as Zelensky aims to refresh leadership across various security and defense sectors in response to ongoing challenges in the war with Russia.

Euromaiden Press

The decision to remove Maliuk has sparked significant concern among senior military commanders in Ukraine. Figures such as Robert "Madyar" Brovdi and Mykhailo Drapatyi publicly cautioned against the dismissal, arguing that it could weaken one of Ukraine's most effective security institutions during active combat. They highlighted Maliuk's operational successes and the potential risks associated with leadership changes at this critical juncture.

Kyiv Independent

President Zelensky expressed gratitude for Maliuk's service and emphasized the need for a rotation in leadership to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. He stated, "A strong and modern intelligence service is key to our state’s security," reinforcing the importance of Maliuk's continued involvement in asymmetric operations. Meanwhile, military officials have voiced their apprehensions, with one stating that removing Maliuk would "seriously weaken Ukraine’s ability to protect itself."

Maliuk steps down as head of SBUKyiv IndependentVasyl Maliuk leaves post of SBU chiefEuromaiden PressThe Straits TimesZelenskyy met with the head of the SBU's Special Operations Center "A" Khmara: discussed the development of the Security Service and future special operations

• “I am leaving my post as head of the Security Service. I will stay in the system to carry out operations that continue to inflict maximum damage on the enemy. A strong, modern intelligence service is key to our state’s security,” — Vasyl Maliuk, former Head of the SBU

Vasyl Malyuk Resigns as SBU Head, Forced Out Amid Zelensky’s Shake-Up Despite AFU Dissent

• “No matter which of the proposed security structures Maliuk could potentially be effective in the near future, replacing the head of the Security Service at this moment would be a risk.” — Mykhailo Drapatyi, Joint Forces Commander

Kyiv Independent

As the political landscape shifts, the Ukrainian parliament will formally vote on Maliuk's dismissal. The ongoing reshuffle may lead to further changes in leadership within Ukraine's defense and intelligence sectors, as Zelensky aims to enhance operational effectiveness in the face of continued Russian aggression. The focus will remain on maintaining the momentum of Ukraine's counteroffensive operations while navigating the complexities of internal political dynamics.

Vasyl Malyuk is no longer the head of the SBU – Zelensky