Zelensky Replaces Ukraine's Powerful Security Chief in Major Leadership Shake-Up

President Volodymyr Zelensky has made another significant change to Ukraine's security apparatus, removing the influential head of the country's Security Service (SBU) and replacing him with a battlefield-tested general.

The move has sparked intense debate within Ukraine's military and political circles, with some viewing it as a risky decision during a critical phase of the war with Russia.

Zelensky announced the dismissal of Vasyl Malyuk, who had led the SBU since 2022, and nominated Major-General Yevhenii Khmara as acting head of the intelligence agency. The appointment must still be confirmed by Ukraine's parliament, which could potentially reject the nomination.

The SBU is Ukraine's primary internal security and counter-intelligence agency. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the organization has expanded its role significantly, becoming instrumental in executing assassinations and sabotage operations deep inside Russian territory.

Malyuk's name had become synonymous with successful covert operations against Russia. His most notable achievement came last June when he coordinated the ambitious "Spider Web" attack, which saw more than 100 Ukrainian drones strike air bases deep inside Russian territory.

Under his leadership, the SBU also gained recognition for purging the agency of alleged Russian double agents, strengthening Ukraine's internal security at a crucial time.

The dismissal has been widely criticized by several high-profile military commanders within Ukraine. Reports suggest that Malyuk initially refused to step down voluntarily, reinforcing the perception that Zelensky's decision was controversial and potentially short-sighted.

However, Zelensky has asked Malyuk to continue leading special operations against Russia despite removing him from the top SBU position. The president stated that Ukraine needed more "asymmetric operations against Russian forces" and that Malyuk was "best at this."

The SBU described Khmara as a decorated and "experienced special-purpose officer" with significant battlefield credentials. He played a role in liberating the Kyiv region in 2022 and has combat experience fighting Russian forces in the occupied Donetsk region.

Notably, Khmara was also involved in preparing the Spider Web operation alongside Malyuk, demonstrating his expertise in asymmetric warfare.

He previously headed Alpha, one of the SBU's most elite divisions, earning respect for his operational successes.

Analysts are split on whether the leadership change will strengthen or weaken the SBU's effectiveness.

Oleksandr Notevskyi, a political analyst for Ukrainian media outlet Grunt, praised the appointment. "He's young, he's experienced, he is one of the authors of the Spider Web operation," Notevskyi said, expressing confidence in Khmara's ability to lead.

Notevskyi argued that at this stage of the war, "whoever leads the security service should be someone who is specialised in eliminating Russia's military capacities on the territory of Russia."

However, Ivan Stupak, a former SBU operative, expressed concerns. While acknowledging Khmara's solid reputation, Stupak argued it is "limited to a certain sphere" and questioned whether he could translate his operational experience to managing the entire SBU organization.

Stupak also suggested the dismissal is connected to internal power struggles, specifically the appointment of former spy chief Kyrylo Budanov as Zelensky's new chief of staff.

"Malyuk and Budanov are at loggerheads," Stupak told the BBC, implying that Budanov heavily influenced Zelensky's decision and that Khmara would now be "in the hands" of Budanov.

This reshuffling is the latest in a long series of leadership changes made by Zelensky since the war began nearly four years ago.

Last week, Zelensky announced significant changes to his top team. Mykhailo Fedorov was nominated as the new defense minister, while foreign intelligence chief Oleh Ivashchenko replaced Budanov in his previous role.

Many of Zelensky's reshuffles have drawn criticism from commentators who argue that constant leadership changes are damaging to Ukraine during a time of crisis.

Using a football analogy, Stupak warned that Zelensky was like a manager repeatedly going to the substitute bench for replacements. "But his bench is quite short, and he's running out of people to use again and again," he said.

After nearly four years of war, Ukraine continues to struggle to push back Russian forces through conventional battlefield tactics along the long front line in eastern Ukraine.

The country has achieved greater success through asymmetric warfare—targeting oil fields, weapons factories, air bases, and valuable aircraft inside Russian territory. These operations have proven critical in degrading Russia's military capabilities without engaging in costly frontal assaults.

This strategic reality makes the leadership of the SBU particularly crucial. The agency's effectiveness in conducting covert operations inside Russia could significantly influence the war's trajectory.

Ukraine's internal security decisions have broader implications for international security dynamics. The country remains dependent on Western military and financial support, and any perceived instability in its leadership structure could affect confidence among allied nations.

For African nations, including Ghana, Ukraine's experience demonstrates how intelligence services adapt during wartime and the critical role of asymmetric warfare when facing a more powerful adversary.

Khmara's appointment requires confirmation by Ukraine's parliament. Lawmakers could approve the nomination, reject it, or propose alternative candidates.

The coming weeks will reveal whether this leadership transition strengthens Ukraine's covert operations capability or creates disruption at a critical moment in the war with Russia.