Vasyl Maliuk, who had led the SBU since 2022, was removed after overseeing high-profile covert operations, including “Spiderweb,” a surprise attack that destroyed Russian military aircraft at distant airbases. His removal marks a significant leadership change within one of Ukraine’s most influential security institutions.

Zelenskyy appointed Major-General Yevhenii Khmara as acting head of the SBU. The agency described Khmara as an experienced officer who has served in the elite Alfa special forces unit since 2011 and led it from 2023.

In a statement, Zelenskyy said Maliuk would be reassigned to focus on combat-related tasks, emphasising the need for more asymmetric operations against Russian forces. Some military officials and lawmakers questioned the timing of the decision, warning it could weaken the agency during an active conflict.

The reshuffle comes amid wider changes in Ukraine’s security and political leadership. Zelenskyy recently appointed military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as presidential chief of staff and is expected to name new defence and energy ministers. Several appointments had been delayed during unsuccessful peace negotiations.

Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Ukrainian officials say Russia’s territorial gains have come at heavy military losses.

Maliuk previously led efforts to reform the SBU after taking office in 2022, following the dismissal of his predecessor over failures to counter Russian espionage. Operation “Spiderweb,” conducted in May 2025, involved drones concealed in cargo trucks striking Russian strategic bombers far from the front lines.

Additional leadership changes have affected Ukraine’s foreign intelligence and border guard services, reflecting the scope of the ongoing security-sector overhaul.