Ukraine replaces leaders of two main intelligence agencies

Ukraine has replaced the directors of its two main intelligence agencies in the largest leadership reshuffle during the war, a move President Volodymyr Zelensky said is needed to prepare the government and military for an extended fight with Russia. Gen. Vasily Maliuk was replaced as director of the S.B.U.

by Gen. Yevhen Khmara, a former director of special operations. Mr. Zelensky made the change under martial law powers, but Parliament must still approve it; a vote is planned for next week. General Maliuk said he would remain at the S.B.U. heading special operations, a less visible role.

The military intelligence chief, Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, was replaced by Gen. Oleh Ivashchenko, a former director of the foreign intelligence service who is seen by Ukrainian commentators as a presidential loyalist. General Budanov has been made chief of staff of the presidential office.

The S.B.U. and the military intelligence agency, the H.U.R., cooperate closely with American intelligence agencies including the C.I.A. and play pivotal roles in the war and countering Russian espionage. Critics warned the shake-up could disrupt ongoing operations and may be politically motivated.

Key Topics

World, Sbu, Hur, Volodymyr Zelensky, Vasily Maliuk, Kyrylo Budanov