Ukrainian Spy Chief Forced Out by Zelenskyy Amid Power Struggle
In a surprise move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ousted his top spy chief, Vasyl Malyuk, from the head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) after leading some of the country's most daring covert operations against Russia. Malyuk, known for orchestrating high-profile missions like Operation Spiderweb, which targeted Russian strategic bombers with a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles, was reportedly reluctant to step down despite Zelenskyy's insistence.
According to sources, Malyuk had refused to leave his post after a meeting with the president on Saturday, prompting calls from various quarters for him to be retained. However, Zelenskyy ultimately prevailed, proposing that Malyuk focus on overseeing unconventional warfare operations within the SBU. The president emphasized the need for more effective asymmetric tactics against Russia and credited Malyuk with delivering significant results in eliminating enemy targets.
Malyuk's departure has sparked confusion about Zelenskyy's motivations, with some speculating that it may be part of a larger power struggle involving other prominent figures within the government. Others believe that the president is seeking to clear the decks ahead of the next presidential election, which could potentially see Zaluzhnyi, who was dismissed as head of Ukraine's army earlier this year, emerge as a contender.
Despite his ousting, Malyuk has vowed to remain involved in the SBU and lead "world-class asymmetric special operations" against Russia. His replacement, Maj Gen Yevhen Khmara, will oversee the agency's elite Alpha special operations unit until a new leader is appointed. The ongoing power dynamic within Ukraine's government suggests that the conflict with Russia may continue to shape the country's security landscape in the coming months and years.
In a surprise move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ousted his top spy chief, Vasyl Malyuk, from the head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) after leading some of the country's most daring covert operations against Russia. Malyuk, known for orchestrating high-profile missions like Operation Spiderweb, which targeted Russian strategic bombers with a swarm of unmanned aerial vehicles, was reportedly reluctant to step down despite Zelenskyy's insistence.
According to sources, Malyuk had refused to leave his post after a meeting with the president on Saturday, prompting calls from various quarters for him to be retained. However, Zelenskyy ultimately prevailed, proposing that Malyuk focus on overseeing unconventional warfare operations within the SBU. The president emphasized the need for more effective asymmetric tactics against Russia and credited Malyuk with delivering significant results in eliminating enemy targets.
Malyuk's departure has sparked confusion about Zelenskyy's motivations, with some speculating that it may be part of a larger power struggle involving other prominent figures within the government. Others believe that the president is seeking to clear the decks ahead of the next presidential election, which could potentially see Zaluzhnyi, who was dismissed as head of Ukraine's army earlier this year, emerge as a contender.
Despite his ousting, Malyuk has vowed to remain involved in the SBU and lead "world-class asymmetric special operations" against Russia. His replacement, Maj Gen Yevhen Khmara, will oversee the agency's elite Alpha special operations unit until a new leader is appointed. The ongoing power dynamic within Ukraine's government suggests that the conflict with Russia may continue to shape the country's security landscape in the coming months and years.
. I mean, why remove someone who's been doing such a great job in covert ops? It feels like he's trying to assert control and show that no one is above him, even if it means alienating some key players in the fight. Plus, with Malyuk stepping down, does that mean we're going to see more of these unconventional tactics being used? And what about Zaluzhnyi, who was already dismissed as head of Ukraine's army... is he really a contender now? 
I'm not sure if this power struggle is actually making Ukraine stronger or just creating more uncertainty for their people 
.
and those covert ops against russia sound like they were straight out of a mission impossible movie 
and zelenskyy just removed his top spy chief vasyl malyuk from the head of the sbu 
i dont get what's goin on tho... is it a power struggle or somethin? maybe its just a strategic move to make room for someone new 
anyways, its good 2 hear that malyuk still vows to lead asymmetric ops against russia 
cant wait 2 see how this plays out 
zelenskyy's trying to clear the decks but it's def not without controversy 
anyhoo, my thoughts be with the ukrainian ppl during this crazy time 
. But at the same time, it's kinda hard not to wonder if there's some bigger game going on behind the scenes 
. I mean, with all these power struggles & changes in leadership, it's like Ukraine is stuck in a never-ending cycle of uncertainty 
. Maybe Zelenskyy just wanted someone who could keep up with him on the same level? Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how things play out in Ukraine 
. With all the instability in Ukraine's government right now, it's hard to say what's really going on behind closed doors... 
I'm like totally surprised by this move, you guys! So Zelenskyy kicks out his top spy chief Vasyl Malyuk over some power struggle 
And what's up with all these power struggles in the government? It's like, can't a guy just get some peace and quiet around here? 
Anywayz, I guess we'll have to wait and see how this whole thing plays out. Maybe Malyuk will come back swinging or maybe he'll start his own spy agency 
It feels like a lot of wheeling and dealing to me... and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing... I mean, does it show that Zelenskyy's got his finger on the pulse or is he just trying to consolidate power before the next election?