Vasiliy Malyuk reported that he will continue his work within the SBU, focusing on conducting asymmetric special operations aimed at maximizing damage to the enemy. In his statement posted on the service's Telegram channel, he emphasized that a strong and modern intelligence agency is the foundation of Ukraine's security and expressed gratitude to the president for implementing necessary changes in the defense sector. President Volodymyr Zelensky, in turn, previously held a meeting with Malyuk, where he thanked him for his work and suggested focusing on it within the SBU. He tasked him with making the direction of asymmetric operations one of the strongest in the world, emphasizing the availability of resources and political support for this task.
Presidential advisor on communications Dmytro Litvin later announced that Yevgeny Khmara would become the acting head of the SBU, having previously led the "A" special operations center. Zelensky also reported in his Telegram channel about a meeting with Khmara, during which the prospects for the systematic development of the Security Service of Ukraine were discussed.
The decree appointing Khmara to the temporary position has already been published on the president's official website.
The publication "RBK-Ukraine" previously reported that on January 3, Volodymyr Zelensky considered the possibility of dismissing Vasiliy Malyuk and transferring him to another position. Sources from the publication noted that such a decision could raise many questions, as Malyuk managed to turn the SBU into an effective tool conducting unique special operations and ensuring strong positions for Ukraine in negotiations.
According to information from "Ukrainska Pravda," Malyuk initially did not want to submit a voluntary resignation, which caused discontent from the president. As a result, it is reported that Malyuk was "pressed" to resign, and he concluded that a conflict with the head of state could harm Ukraine.
