Ukraine’s parliament on January 13 voted to dismiss Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) chief Vasyl Maliuk, with 235 lawmakers in favor.
In a column for Kanal 24, the now-former SBU chief said he will continue serving the state and do everything to ensure Ukraine remains strong and independent, and that Ukrainians finally secure a just peace. He wrote this in a column for Kanal 24.
Maliuk noted that nearly three years ago, before his appointment, he stood at the parliamentary rostrum and said death was “the only prospect we can offer the occupiers.”
“Since then, I have devoted my time to making the ground burn under the enemy’s feet. The SBU continuously struck the aggressor—on land, in the air, at sea and even underwater. Thanks to the Security Service, the beautiful Ukrainian word ‘bavovna’ took on a new meaning. And I emphasize: it burned, it burns and it will keep burning until the Rashists stop the war against Ukraine,” he said.
The major general listed what had been accomplished over these years, citing what he called some of the boldest and most effective operations—from attacks on the Crimean Bridge and hits on oil refineries and ammunition depots to the legendary “Web” operation.
Maliuk said the SBU’s Sea Baby maritime drones have become a real nightmare for Russia’s navy:
“Our maritime drones disabled 11 Russian ships. In the end, Russia’s fleet fled Sevastopol and now has to hide in other ports. Russia lost its dominance in the Black Sea. And recently our latest development—the Sub Sea Baby underwater drone—visited Novorossiysk Bay and successfully struck a Rashist submarine.”
He also said the myth of the “second-strongest army in the world” had been shattered. According to Maliuk, SBU personnel destroyed more than 2,200 enemy tanks, 3,979 armored vehicles, 4,276 artillery systems, 310 multiple-launch rocket systems, 649 air-defense assets, 885 electronic warfare/signals intelligence systems, and more.
The general referenced the 2023 strike on “Oreshnik,” the fight against “FSB agents in cassocks,” Russian spy networks, internal cleanup efforts within the SBU, and more.
“I am grateful to everyone who supported us in this work - my brothers-in-arms, colleagues and the citizens of Ukraine. Today I officially leave the post of Head of the SBU. I leave with my head held high and I know I can look people straight in the eye,” he said.
He added he does not plan to rest:
“I am leaving the post, but not the SBU. I remain within the Service and will work for the good of the people and the state. I will make every effort to ensure that Ukraine is strong and independent, and that Ukrainians finally achieve a just peace.”
Acting leadership of the agency has been assigned to “Alpha” special unit commander, Major General Yevhen Khmara.
Maliuk is also keeping a painting of the Cossack Mamai sitting on the skulls of enemies that hung in his office.
“That means I can continue to offer all scoundrels the same prospect as before,” he said.
As a reminder, on its second attempt the Rada’s defense committee, with votes from Servant of the People, backed Maliuk’s dismissal, which parliament later approved. The general did not attend the parliamentary session.
