Vasiliy Malyuk has left the position of head of the SBU. The Security Service of Ukraine is now headed by Yevgeny Khmara.

Vasiliy Malyuk, Yevgeny Khmara
The head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Vasiliy Malyuk, announced his decision to leave the position.

He noted that he will continue to work within the SBU structure, participating in the implementation of asymmetrical operations on an international scale, which, in his opinion, should inflict serious damage on the enemy. “A strong and modern intelligence agency is the foundation of our state's security. I am grateful to the President of Ukraine for the changes in the defense sector that he is implementing,” Malyuk emphasized in his statement posted on the service's Telegram channel.

At the same time, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with Malyuk, expressing gratitude for his “combat work” and urging him to focus on this activity within the SBU. “I instructed Vasiliy Malyuk to make our asymmetrical operations leading in the world. We have the necessary resources and political support for this,” the president added.

Very soon, the presidential advisor for communications, Dmytro Litvin, announced that Yevgeny Khmara, who previously held the position of head of the special operations center “A,” would become the acting head of the SBU.
Zelensky also reported on his Telegram channel that he discussed with Khmara “the possibilities for the systematic development of the SBU.”

The decree appointing Khmara as the acting head of the SBU is already available on the website of the President of Ukraine.

The publication “RBK-Ukraine” previously reported on January 3 that Volodymyr Zelensky was discussing the possibility of dismissing Malyuk and transferring him to another position. Sources claimed that such a decision could raise many questions, as Malyuk “transformed the SBU into an effective intelligence agency conducting unique operations and strengthening Ukraine's position on the international stage.”

According to “Ukrainska Pravda,” Malyuk initially did not want to submit a resignation letter, which caused dissatisfaction from Zelensky. It is reported that he was “pressed” to resign, and ultimately he concluded that a conflict with the president could negatively affect the state.