Ukraine's Top Spy Chief Resigns After Daring Raids Against Russia
In a move that sent shockwaves through Ukraine's national security establishment, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy forced out his top spy chief, Vasyl Malyuk, amid controversy over the chief's audacious raids against Russian targets. The news comes just days after Malyuk led a daring operation known as Operation Spiderweb, which saw a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles strike strategic bombers deep inside Russia, causing an estimated $7 billion in damage.
Sources close to Malyuk revealed that he had initially refused to step down despite Zelenskyy's request, prompting calls from some within the government for his retention. However, after a meeting with the president on Monday, Malyuk agreed to resign and stay within the agency to lead "world-class asymmetric special operations" against Russia.
Zelenskyy announced that he had reassigned Malyuk to oversee unconventional warfare, saying that the spy chief was at his strongest in this area. However, questions remain over why Zelenskyy wanted Malyuk's removal, with some speculating that it may be linked to an "act of revenge" orchestrated by Andriy Yermak, the president's former chief of staff.
Yermak's apartment was searched as part of an anti-corruption operation in November, and he subsequently resigned without facing formal accusations. Others within the government believe that Zelenskyy is keen to clear the decks of prominent figures ahead of the next presidential election.
Malyuk's departure has left a void at the top of Ukraine's national security establishment, with Maj Gen Yevhen Khmara temporarily taking over as acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine. The move is likely to have significant implications for Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, and it remains to be seen how Malyuk will continue to contribute to the country's efforts against its enemy.
In a move that sent shockwaves through Ukraine's national security establishment, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy forced out his top spy chief, Vasyl Malyuk, amid controversy over the chief's audacious raids against Russian targets. The news comes just days after Malyuk led a daring operation known as Operation Spiderweb, which saw a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles strike strategic bombers deep inside Russia, causing an estimated $7 billion in damage.
Sources close to Malyuk revealed that he had initially refused to step down despite Zelenskyy's request, prompting calls from some within the government for his retention. However, after a meeting with the president on Monday, Malyuk agreed to resign and stay within the agency to lead "world-class asymmetric special operations" against Russia.
Zelenskyy announced that he had reassigned Malyuk to oversee unconventional warfare, saying that the spy chief was at his strongest in this area. However, questions remain over why Zelenskyy wanted Malyuk's removal, with some speculating that it may be linked to an "act of revenge" orchestrated by Andriy Yermak, the president's former chief of staff.
Yermak's apartment was searched as part of an anti-corruption operation in November, and he subsequently resigned without facing formal accusations. Others within the government believe that Zelenskyy is keen to clear the decks of prominent figures ahead of the next presidential election.
Malyuk's departure has left a void at the top of Ukraine's national security establishment, with Maj Gen Yevhen Khmara temporarily taking over as acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine. The move is likely to have significant implications for Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, and it remains to be seen how Malyuk will continue to contribute to the country's efforts against its enemy.
Still, I can see why Zelenskyy would want him out, especially with Andriy Yermak's apartment search and all. But now it's like, one big mess, you know? 
Malyuk is still involved in the agency, but in some super cool secret ops... 
Guess we'll just have to wait and see how this all plays out. It's just more drama in Ukraine right now. 
... I mean, who needs that kind of stress in national security? But on the other hand, maybe Yermak was right and Zelenskyy just wants to get rid of some old faces before the election 
. And what's with this "world-class asymmetric special operations" thing? Is it a fancy way of saying they're gonna get their hands dirty again? 
I don't know, man... Malyuk seemed like a pretty cool cat for a spy chief to me 
... or was he just reckless and stupid? 
Can't tell anymore...
malyuk gets forced out by zelenskyy and suddenly he's some sorta hero 
but what about all those raids on russia? was it really just about "asymmetric special operations"? or is there more to it? 
.
. But then again, maybe Zelenskyy just wants to get rid of some strong personalities ahead of the next election 
.
. Does anyone know more about this? 
. Can't we just have some clear communication and transparency in our governments? 
spy chief 
after daring raids on Russia 
what's going on behind closed doors 
? 
some think it's revenge 
but others say Zelenskyy just wants to clear the deck 
for the next election 
. Malyuk is a pro at asymmetric ops 
?
But then again, politics is all about power struggles and who's behind whose back, you know? 
It feels like Zelenskyy might've been trying to get rid of Malyuk before he got too powerful. IDK if it was an "act of revenge" thing or not 
) so Malyuk's raids are basically a huge financial gamble 
. On a lighter note tho... 
did you know that the average Ukrainian has like, $1,300 in their pocket? 
That doesn't sound right at all. Can't say I trust the gov't's motives on this one. 
I'm low-key curious about what went down, but did Zelenskyy really want him out for revenge? Andriy Yermak's apartment search was a red flag, tbh 
. Can't we just focus on getting the job done without all this drama? 