Changes in the Security Service of Ukraine
Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, has implemented significant changes in the organization, notably conducting a series of successful special operations against Russia, improving counterintelligence operations, and transforming the SSU. Under his leadership, the Security Service continues to fulfill its assigned tasks, especially amid ongoing aggression from Russia.
Key Special Operations
One of the key operations was 'Web', which resulted in the destruction of 41 military aircraft of the Russian Federation. In addition, the SSU conducted three attacks on the Crimean Bridge:
- in 2022 using a truck with explosives;
- in 2023 using Sea Baby maritime drones;
- and in 2025 – through underwater detonation.
Among other successes was the destruction of 14 Russian ships using maritime drones and a Russian 'Varshavyanka' class submarine in the port of Novorossiysk by the underwater drone Sub SeaBaby.
It is important to note that the SSU prevents 80% of the terrorist attacks planned by Russian intelligence services in Ukraine. Over the past few years, 128 enemy spy networks have been uncovered, involving 563 individuals. Since 2022, more than 3,800 cases of state treason have been registered, and over 180 criminal proceedings have been initiated against representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The Security Service has exposed more than ten agents of the Russian Federation, including Dmytro Kozyura and Oleg Kulinich.
The SSU has also actively operated on the front lines, liberating Kyiv region, Zhytomyr region, Kharkiv region, Kherson region, and Snake Island. The 'A' Special Operations Center of the SSU has made it to the ranks of the three most effective units in Ukraine. As part of the Service's transformation, legislative changes were initiated to strengthen it, and a development strategy for the SSU for 2025-2030 has been launched.
Furthermore, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Yevhen Khmara as the acting head of the SSU and signed decree №18/2026 on the leadership structure of the Security Service. Vasyl Malyuk emphasized that the Security Service of Ukraine will continue to carry out its assigned tasks, reflecting the organization’s efforts in combating external threats and internal challenges.
Changes in the Security Service of Ukraine under the leadership of Vasyl Malyuk indicate an intensification of the organization’s work amidst the ongoing aggression from Russia.
Effective special operations and prevention of terrorist attacks demonstrate the efforts of the SSU in ensuring the national security of Ukraine. The appointment of new leadership and the development of a strategy for the coming years can become crucial steps for the further effectiveness of the Service in the face of modern challenges.