Zelenskyy names new security chief as Spiderweb op architect Malyuk takes on Russia missions
Photo: Vasyl Malyuk (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reshuffled the leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), appointing Yevhen Khmara as Acting Head of the agency after Vasyl Malyuk announced his resignation. Malyuk is staying within the SBU to lead a new key operational direction focused on asymmetric operations against Russia.
Malyuk announced his resignation after a meeting with Zelenskyy. He had headed the SBU since July 2022. Under Malyuk's leadership, the SBU became one of the active components of the Defense Forces. The service participated in combat operations on the front lines, conducted operations behind enemy lines, and on Russian territory.
Among the most high-profile actions were operations to destroy the Crimean Bridge, attacks by naval drones on ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, and the use of Sea Baby surface drones.
The SBU also carried out strikes on military air bases, ammunition depots, defense industry facilities, and oil infrastructure in Russia.
He personally oversaw Operation Spiderweb, which targeted Russia's strategic aviation at several air bases, including those located at a considerable distance from the border with Ukraine.
“I am leaving the post of head of the Security Service. I remain within the SBU system to carry out world-class asymmetric special operations that will continue to inflict maximum damage on the enemy,” Malyuk said, adding that a strong and modern special service is essential for Ukraine’s security.
President Zelenskyy later confirmed that he had instructed Malyuk to concentrate on this new operational direction within the SBU. According to the president, Ukraine needs more asymmetric operations against the Russian state and stronger results in destroying the enemy.
“I instructed Vasyl Malyuk to make the direction of our asymmetric operations the strongest in the world. The resources and proper political support for this are in place,” Zelenskyy said. He added that they also discussed candidates for the position of the new SBU head.
Following Malyuk’s resignation, Zelenskyy appointed Yevhen Khmara as Acting Head of the Security Service of Ukraine.
Yevhen Khmara has had a rapid career rise within the SBU and is known for his work in special operations. In 2023, he was appointed head of the Special Operations Center responsible for counterterrorism. In 2025, Khmara was appointed head of the SBU’s Special Operations Center A, a key unit responsible for high-profile and asymmetric operations against Russia. Among his most notable operations was his leadership in 2023 of the special operation to liberate Zmiinyi Island from Russian occupation.
Zelenskyy’s government reshuffle
January in Ukraine began with a series of high-profile personnel decisions. Last week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to appoint Defense Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as the chief of the Presidential Office. The position had been vacant after the dismissal of Andriy Yermak.
The vacant post of the Defense Intelligence chief was taken by Oleh Ivashchenko, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.
Zelenskyy also appointed Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov as the head of the Ministry of Defense, while the current head of the ministry, Denys Shmyhal, would lead the Ministry of Energy.
Zelenskyy also stated that he plans to rotate all heads of security and law enforcement agencies, followed by rotations in the army. He explained that if Ukraine has to continue fighting, fresh strength is needed.
