Zelenskyy may dismiss Ukraine's security service chief Vasyl Malyuk
Photo: Vasyl Malyuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering removing Vasyl Malyuk from his post as head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and appointing him to another position, according to RBC-Ukraine's sources within the government.
If the President makes such a decision, Malyuk’s dismissal would, under the law, have to be approved by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament - ed.).
"Attempts to remove Vasyl Malyuk from his position do exist. But so far nothing has been decided, discussions are ongoing," one source said.
Sources in government circles noted that some view a potential dismissal of Malyuk as a serious weakening of Ukraine’s defense capability, given the SBU’s recent high-profile operations, including Operation Spiderweb.
According to the sources, such a possible decision by the President would raise many questions.
“Malyuk has turned the SBU into an effective special service that conducts unique operations and gives Ukraine strong cards at the negotiating table," one source said.
Personnel reshuffles in Ukraine
On Friday, January 2, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced several personnel changes. In particular, Kyrylo Budanov was appointed as the new head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Budanov’s position at the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) was taken by Oleh Ivashchenko, the former head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.
In addition, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov may become Ukraine’s Defense Minister. Zelenskyy stressed that changes are needed in the defense sector "that will make a real difference."
The President also said that the interior minister will soon present candidates to replace the head of the State Border Guard Service, while its current chief, Serhii Deineko, will continue working within the Interior Ministry system.
On January 2, Zelenskyy also announced a decision to overhaul the State Bureau of Investigation. He said a presidential bill would be drafted in January and submitted to parliament as urgent.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Zelenskyy had also announced plans to replace a number of regional military administration heads, though he did not name specific individuals or timelines.
