Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has initiated another significant change within the country’s security leadership, announcing the dismissal of Vasyl Maliuk as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The decision was revealed late Monday as part of a broader restructuring aimed at strengthening state institutions during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
In a recorded address released overnight, President Zelenskyy confirmed that Maliuk, who had been leading the SBU since 2023, was relieved of his duties. He also stated that a nominee for the position has already been forwarded to Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, for consideration, though the individual’s identity has not yet been made public.
The president framed the leadership change as part of a wider effort to refresh Ukraine’s military and security agencies. According to Zelenskyy, regular rotation of senior officials is essential to maintain efficiency, adaptability, and accountability within institutions operating under wartime pressure. He emphasized the need for renewed management approaches and fresh momentum within the country’s intelligence and security structures.
During Maliuk’s tenure, the SBU played a prominent role in Ukraine’s defense efforts, carrying out high-profile counterintelligence missions and innovative operations targeting Russian military capabilities. At the same time, the agency has continued to face criticism over internal corruption concerns and allegations of lingering vulnerabilities linked to Russian influence-issues that Ukrainian authorities have pledged to address through long-term reforms.
The latest dismissal follows other recent leadership changes, including replacements within Ukraine’s ground forces command and senior positions inside the SBU’s national security directorates. Together, the moves signal an ongoing recalibration of Ukraine’s wartime governance strategy.
Despite the personnel changes, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s overarching military objectives remain unchanged. He reaffirmed that the country’s primary goal continues to be victory in the war launched by Russia, now nearing its fourth year.
Political analysts view the reshuffle as a strategic attempt to demonstrate resolve, adaptability, and institutional renewal at a critical stage in the conflict, as Ukraine balances battlefield demands with internal reform and international expectations.
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