Fighters of the Special Operations Center “A” of the SBU conduct unique special operations to destroy military facilities in the deep rear of Russia — airfields, weapons warehouses and arsenals, oil refineries, and factories producing bombs and drones, and other significant targets. Khmara was an architect of Ukraine’s liberation of Snake Island in the Black Sea in 2022.
POLITICO first reported that Malyuk was Zelenskyy’s next target as part of an ongoing government reshuffle. But unlike other top spies, Malyuk fought to stay in the SBU, with several Ukrainian military top commanders publicly urging Zelenskyy to let him continue successful operations against Russia, claiming he was effective where he was.
Zelenskyy wanted to offer him a top post either at Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service or at the national security council. However, on Monday, it was announced that Malyuk will indeed remain within the SBU but not in the very top position.
“I am leaving the position of Head of the Security Service. I will remain within the SBU system to implement world-class asymmetric special operations that will continue to cause maximum damage to the enemy,” Malyuk said in a statement on Monday, refusing to specify his new position.
Zelenskyy explained the need for “rotation of everybody” to strengthen the country’s negotiating stance and resilience in the face of what’s coming.
“Our country has two paths. The first path is peaceful, diplomatic, and it is a priority for us today. We want to end the war. At some point, if Russia blocks it and the partners do not force Russia to stop the war, there will be another path — to defend ourselves. And at this point, fresh forces will be needed. I will go through a parallel reboot of all structures. Just in case,” Zelenskyy told reporters during a press briefing on Saturday.
On Monday, Zelenskyy met with several other top SBU officials to discuss the agency’s future.