Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reshuffled the leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), replacing long-serving chief Vasyl Malyuk with Major-General Yevhenii Khmara as acting head.

The move comes amid ongoing conflict with Russia and increasing pressure on Ukraine to maintain effective internal security, counter-intelligence, and special operations.

Background: SBU’s Role in the War

The SBU, Ukraine’s main security and intelligence service, has played a critical role since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Its responsibilities include:

• Internal security and counter-intelligence.
• Conducting assassinations and sabotage operations inside Russian territory.
• Supporting Ukraine’s special operations against military targets, including air bases, weapons depots, and industrial sites.

Malyuk, who had led the SBU since 2022, gained a reputation for purging Russian spies from the service and overseeing daring missions, such as the June 2025 “Spider Web” operation, in which more than 100 Ukrainian drones struck Russian airbases deep inside enemy territory.

Reaction to Malyuk’s Dismissal

Malyuk’s removal sparked criticism from Ukrainian officials and military commanders, with some viewing the decision as short-sighted. Reports suggest that Malyuk initially refused to step down voluntarily, though he has been asked to continue leading Ukraine’s asymmetric operations against Russian forces, a role Zelensky said Malyuk performs best.

Former SBU operative Ivan Stupak suggested that the dismissal may have been influenced by the appointment of Kyrylo Budanov, former spy chief, as Zelensky’s new chief of staff. Stupak argued that Malyuk and Budanov were at odds, and Khmara’s appointment effectively places him under Budanov’s oversight.

Yevhenii Khmara: A Battlefield Veteran

Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara brings battlefield experience, having served in the Kyiv liberation campaign of 2022 and fighting in occupied Donetsk. He previously led Alpha, one of the SBU’s elite units, and was a key planner of the Spider Web operation.

Political analyst Oleksandr Notevskyi praised Khmara’s appointment:

“He’s young, he’s experienced, and he understands asymmetric warfare. He’s exactly the kind of officer who can target Russian military capacities on their own territory.”

The SBU described Khmara as a decorated special-purpose officer with extensive operational experience, but his appointment still requires parliamentary confirmation, and alternative candidates may yet be considered.

Context: Zelensky’s Wider Cabinet Reshuffle

Khmara’s appointment is part of a broader reshuffle of Ukraine’s top leadership, including:

• Mykhailo Fedorov as new defence minister.
• Oleh Ivashchenko replacing Budanov as foreign intelligence chief.

Analysts warn that frequent reshuffles may undermine stability at a critical juncture in the war, with some likening Zelensky’s decisions to a football manager making repeated substitutions while running out of options.

Strategic Importance

Ukraine has struggled with conventional warfare along the eastern front but has achieved notable successes in special operations targeting Russian military infrastructure.

At this stage of the war, leadership of the SBU is seen as essential for coordinating:

• Cross-border strikes against Russian military assets.
• Counter-intelligence operations to prevent infiltration by Russian agents.
• Planning and executing asymmetric warfare that leverages technology and intelligence.

As the conflict continues, Khmara’s leadership will be closely watched for its impact on Ukraine’s ability to conduct high-risk, high-reward operations and protect the country from espionage and sabotage.