Post by : Saif Rahman

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has revealed his intentions to replace the head of the nation’s primary security agency, marking a significant leadership adjustment as the war against Russia persists.

On Monday, Zelenskiy indicated that Vasyl Maliuk, who has been leading the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), will be reassigned to a different role. This decision is part of a larger governmental reshuffle that has already seen the inauguration of a new presidential chief of staff and anticipates further modifications in other key government sectors.

Maliuk has been at the helm of the SBU since February 2023, having served as acting head prior. During his tenure, the agency has been pivotal in Ukraine's opposition to Russian aggression. Under his command, the SBU managed several bold operations that gained international attention.

Among these were a long-range drone strike on Russian bombers located deep within Russian territory, an attack on a Russian submarine, and three strikes on the vital bridge linking Russia to Crimea, which has been under Russian control since 2014.

Maliuk received commendations from several analysts for fortifying the SBU and enhancing its operational efficiency after a challenging period that saw his predecessor, Ivan Bakanov, dismissed in July 2022 due to an inability to eradicate Russian espionage within Ukraine.

Despite these successes, Zelenskiy has expressed the necessity for Maliuk to prioritize combat-related endeavors. In a social media message, the president stressed that Ukraine requires more unconventional and unexpected actions against Russian troops and the state.

“We need more Ukrainian asymmetric operations targeting the occupiers,” stated Zelenskiy, highlighting the need for clearer and more impactful results on the battlefield.

This shift in leadership comes at a crucial time, as Zelenskiy looks to realign his inner circle. Just a few days prior, military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov was appointed as the new head of his office, with plans to also install new defence and energy ministers—critical roles as Ukraine confronts ongoing assaults and strain on its energy systems.

The adjustments in leadership indicate that Zelenskiy is seeking renewed momentum and enhanced coordination as the conflict reaches another challenging juncture. Through this realignment of roles, he appears focused on expediting decision-making, bolstering security responses, and achieving better outcomes against Russian forces.

With the conflict showing no signs of resolution, Ukraine’s leadership alterations remain closely monitored both domestically and internationally. These changes signify that Kyiv continues to refine its strategies and command structure in its efforts to safeguard its territory and uphold support from allied nations.

#Global News