Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada has voted to dismiss Vasyl Maliuk as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The decision was backed by 235 lawmakers.
Lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak announced the tally on social media on January 13. “This is the last resignation for today. Now a one-hour recess and a conciliatory meeting between the Speaker and faction leaders on appointments,” he wrote.
Oleksiy Honcharenko said Servant of the People faction leader Davyd Arakhamia urged colleagues to support the move, noting it followed Maliuk’s own resignation letter. “Vasyl Vasylovych, whom we respect, love and value, wrote a letter. Our duty as lawmakers, out of respect for Vasyl Vasylovych, is to vote and support,” he said.
Maliuk confirmed on social media that he is stepping down as SBU chief. He said he will remain within the agency and continue conducting asymmetric, world-class special operations designed to inflict maximum damage on Russia. He thanked his team, comrades-in-arms and the people of Ukraine and honored the fallen.
“I am confident that a strong and modern special service is the key to our state’s security. This is the aim of the changes the President of Ukraine is implementing in the defense sphere, and I thank him. I believe in a just peace and the flourishing of Ukraine,” the lieutenant general said.
Yevhen Khmara, head of the SBU’s “A” Special Operations Center, will serve as acting chief. The major general has years of service within the agency and direct operational experience; he has led the “Alpha” unit since August 2025.
The Rada’s defense committee approved Maliuk’s dismissal only on a second attempt. Lawmaker Iryna Friz said only members of Servant of the People voted in favor, except Fedir Venislavskyi. Zheleznyak later clarified Venislavskyi abstained. Some lawmakers opposed the move.
Also on January 13, the Rada voted to dismiss Denys Shmyhal as defense minister.
The same day, lawmakers approved the resignation of Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, with 270 votes in favor. He is set to lead the Defense Ministry.
