Zelenskyy signs law to reform Ukraine’s security service
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a new law on the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on Monday, July 28, according to the information published on the website of the Verkhovna Rada.
According to the card for draft law No. 13353 on the Rada’s website, the document passed by 311 MPs on July 16 was signed by the President and returned to Parliament on July 28. It was originally submitted to the Verkhovna Rada on June 9, 2025.
What changes does the law introduce
The law, titled On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine to Improve Specific Aspects of the Security Service of Ukraine’s Operations and Enhance Its Effectiveness in Response to Armed Aggression Against Ukraine, increases the total number of SBU personnel.
In peacetime, the maximum staff will rise from 27,000 to 37,000, including up to 10,000 personnel in the A Special Operations Center. During special periods (excluding martial law), the SBU’s total size will increase from 31,000 to 41,000, while the A Center will still include 10,000 members.
In addition, Article 25 of the SBU law was amended to grant service members the right to use weapons and military equipment while performing tasks related to national security, defense, and repelling armed aggression. The use of force must follow the procedures and conditions established for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The law also provides for an improved organizational structure of the SBU and strengthens social protections for its personnel.
Trust in the SBU
According to recent polls, most Ukrainian citizens now trust the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) - a shift that was not observed before the war began.
SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk ranks fourth in public trust among Ukrainians, with 53.1% of respondents expressing confidence in him. However, he is slightly behind the head of the Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, who holds a trust rating of 53.9%.
