On January 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced significant staff changes at the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). SBU chief Maliuk is stepping down from his position, despite support from both military staff and the public. He will continue to serve in the SBU, focusing on asymmetrical special operations targeting Russia.
Yevhen Khmara, head of the SBU Alpha Special Operations Center, was appointed as acting SBU chief. Zelensky met with several SBU generals, including Oleksandr Poklad, Vasyl Kozak (awarded Hero of Ukraine), and Denys Kylymnyk, to discuss future leadership and directions for the agency.
The possible return of Dmytro Kuleba to Zelensky's team is under consideration, potentially in the field of foreign intelligence or as an advisor.
According to a recent KMIS poll, only 10% of Ukrainians support holding elections during martial law, while a majority prefer elections after a peace agreement is in place.
Russian forces struck the Oleina plant in Dnipro, causing a spill of more than 300 tons of oil. Russian missile and drone attacks also targeted energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, resulting in casualties.
On the international front, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was brought before court in New York on drug trafficking charges. The US, China, Russia, and European countries have reacted to the event, with attention on oil price fluctuations, which unexpectedly declined following the arrest.
Discussions about peace talks on Ukraine continue, with Turkey expressing readiness to act as a mediator and international summits supporting Ukraine's security guarantees.
Meanwhile, statements by Donald Trump regarding control over Greenland have caused concern in Europe, drawing criticism from European leaders.
