Zelenskyy removes Ukrainian spy chief behind daring raids on Russia

“The Daily Baku” reports that, Malyuk - head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and a recipient of the Hero of Ukraine award, reportedly resisted leaving his post but agreed to step down after a meeting with the president on Monday. In a statement published on the SBU’s Telegram channel, he said he would continue carrying out “world-class asymmetric special operations” designed to inflict maximum damage on Russian forces.

Zelenskyy confirmed that Malyuk would be reassigned to oversee unconventional warfare, praising his role in high-impact missions, including Operation Spiderweb, which last year destroyed Russian strategic bombers deep inside Russian territory and caused an estimated $7bn in damage. The SBU has also been linked to assassinations of senior Russian military commanders.

Malyuk had previously refused to resign after a meeting with Zelenskyy on Saturday, prompting senior Ukrainian officials, including the commander of drone operations, to call for his retention, warning that his removal could weaken Ukraine’s security services. He reportedly rejected alternative roles within the Foreign Intelligence Service or the National Security and Defence Council.

The reasons for Zelenskyy’s decision remain unclear. The president has said he wants fresh leadership after four years of war, but Ukrainian media suggest political motives. Ukrainska Pravda reported that the move may have been driven by Andriy Yermak, the president’s former chief of staff, following internal power struggles. Others believe Zelenskyy is sidelining popular figures ahead of future elections.

Malyuk has been temporarily replaced by Major General Yevhen Khmara, former commander of the SBU’s elite Alpha special operations unit.