Vasyl Maliuk has resigned as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Reports about his possible dismissal had circulated in the media and among MPs in recent days. Maliuk submitted his resignation voluntarily, without waiting for a parliamentary vote. President Zelensky appointed Evhen Khmara, head of the "A" Special Operations Center, as acting chief.
General Khmara is known as a professional officer and effective leader of the SBU's special unit. He will serve as acting head until a permanent replacement is chosen. The final decision on the new head of the SBU remains pending.
Candidates being considered for the position include Colonel Vasyl Kozak, known for special operations and awarded Hero of Ukraine, SBU Brigadier General Denys Kylymnyk, and General Oleksandr Poklad, chief of counterintelligence.
Maliuk’s resignation sparked discussion in Ukrainian society, particularly among military personnel and commanders. Many consider the decision a mistake, noting Maliuk’s record as one of the most effective SBU chiefs, leading significant operations such as attacks on the Crimean Bridge and Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
The official reasons for Maliuk’s resignation have not been made public. He will continue to work within the SBU, though his future position is unclear. The process of selecting a new head for the SBU is ongoing and a decision is expected soon.
