In the ever-evolving landscape of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, recent developments in Kyiv have sparked intense speculation. Vasyl Maliuk, the head of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), resigned amid President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s sweeping government reshuffle. This move comes at a critical juncture, as discussions around U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine gain momentum. While official statements tie the resignation to internal anti-corruption efforts and bureaucratic realignments, questions arise: Did Maliuk’s hardline stance against Russia position him in opposition to Trump’s peace plan, which involves potential territorial concessions?
Who Is Vasyl Maliuk? Background on Ukraine’s SBU Chief
Vasyl Maliuk, a lieutenant general, has been a pivotal figure in Ukraine’s intelligence and security apparatus since assuming the role of SBU chief in 2022. Under his leadership, the SBU orchestrated some of Ukraine’s most audacious operations against Russian forces, including “Operation Spiderweb,” which reportedly damaged or destroyed 41 Russian aircraft through coordinated drone strikes on airfields. Maliuk’s tenure also saw successful attacks on the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to Russia and the use of Sea Baby naval drones to target Russian submarines in Novorossiysk port. These “asymmetric operations” earned him a reputation as a mastermind of unconventional warfare, bolstering Ukraine’s defenses amid Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Maliuk’s approach was unapologetically aggressive, focusing on inflicting maximum damage on Russian military assets. His public statements, such as admitting Ukraine’s role in surface drone attacks on Russian ships in 2023, underscored a commitment to offensive strategies rather than defensive postures. This hawkish profile contrasts with more diplomatic figures in Zelenskyy’s circle, raising questions about his alignment with peace initiatives that might require compromises.
Details of Vasyl Maliuk’s Resignation Amid Zelenskyy’s Reshuffle
On January 5, 2026, President Zelenskyy announced Maliuk’s resignation as part of a major overhaul of Ukraine’s government and presidential office. Maliuk confirmed the move on Telegram, stating he was “stepping down” but would remain within the SBU to lead “world-class asymmetric special operations” against Russia. Zelenskyy praised Maliuk’s contributions and tasked him with making these operations “the strongest in the world,” assuring that necessary resources and political support are available.
The reshuffle includes several key changes:
- Kyrylo Budanov, former military intelligence (HUR) chief, appointed to head the Office of the President and lead negotiations on ending the war and securing U.S. security guarantees.
- Oleh Ivashchenko reappointed as HUR head.
- Mykhailo Fedorov, ex-minister for digital transformation, named new defense minister.
- Former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba reintegrated into the team, though his role remains unspecified.
- Yevhenii Khmara, head of the SBU’s Alpha special operations unit, appointed interim SBU chief.
This shake-up follows the resignation of Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s powerful chief of staff, amid the largest anti-corruption investigation of his presidency.
Why Did Ukraine’s Security Services Chief Resign?
The official narrative frames Maliuk’s resignation as a strategic pivot, allowing him to focus on operational roles rather than administrative duties. However, deeper analysis reveals multifaceted reasons:
- Anti-Corruption Scandal and Yermak’s Influence: The resignation is linked to the “Mindichgate” scandal involving allegations of graft at state nuclear power company Energoatom. Maliuk reportedly refused to be “used for anyone’s interests” in the probe, clashing with Yermak. Sources close to Maliuk describe his dismissal as Yermak’s revenge, even though Yermak himself resigned amid the investigation. Zelenskyy’s move signals an effort to distance himself from Yermak’s controversial policies and strained relationships with figures like Budanov and Fedorov.
- Resistance to Removal: Maliuk initially resisted Zelenskyy’s request to step down, warning that it could disrupt large-scale operations against Russia. Top military officials publicly supported him, highlighting his value to Ukraine’s defense. Despite this, pressure from the president’s office prevailed, suggesting internal power dynamics at play.
- Broader Reshuffle Objectives: The changes aim to streamline Ukraine’s security apparatus and enhance diplomatic efforts. By appointing Budanov—a figure with strong ties to the U.S. and Russia—to lead negotiations, Zelenskyy appears to prioritize talks over continued escalation.
While no direct statements confirm opposition to Trump’s peace plan, Maliuk’s track record of aggressive actions against Russia substantiates the claim that his hardline approach may have conflicted with a plan requiring concessions, leading to his sidelining.
Connection to Trump’s Ukraine Peace Plan: Did Maliuk Oppose It?
President Trump’s 28-point peace proposal, updated to a 20-point framework by November 2025, includes territorial cessions in Donbas, military reductions for Ukraine, and U.S. security guarantees akin to NATO’s Article 5. Putin has welcomed it as a “basis” for settlement, while Zelenskyy has expressed caution, rejecting any “surrender” and proposing a national referendum.
Although no explicit opposition from Maliuk is reported, the timing of his resignation—mere weeks after the plan’s draft surfaced—fuels speculation. Maliuk’s focus on “asymmetric operations” embodies a refusal to concede, potentially clashing with the plan’s demands for de-escalation. Critics argue his removal weakens Ukraine’s protective capabilities, but it may facilitate negotiations by elevating more conciliatory voices like Budanov. This shift aligns with Zelenskyy’s recent U.S. engagements, suggesting the reshuffle is partly geared toward accommodating Trump’s initiative.
Political Aspects
The reshuffle consolidates Zelenskyy’s control, purging Yermak’s influence and reintegrating allies like Kuleba. It addresses corruption perceptions, boosting domestic support amid war fatigue. However, Maliuk’s resistance highlights internal divisions, potentially eroding military morale.
Security and Military Aspects
Maliuk’s demotion to operational roles preserves his expertise but removes him from strategic decision-making. This could enhance asymmetric warfare but risks coordination issues. Appointing Khmara as interim chief ensures continuity in special operations.
International Relations Aspects
The changes signal Ukraine’s pivot toward diplomacy, especially with the U.S. under Trump. Budanov’s role in talks, including UAE-mediated prisoner exchanges, strengthens ties with Washington and Moscow. European leaders, sidelined in the process, express concerns over concessions, deepening transatlantic rifts.
Impact on the Ukraine-Russia War
By focusing Maliuk on operations, Ukraine maintains offensive capabilities while pursuing peace. However, if linked to Trump’s plan, it could lead to a frozen conflict, halting Russian advances but formalizing losses. Ongoing Russian escalations, like missile strikes on Kyiv, underscore the urgency.
Vasyl Maliuk’s resignation marks a turning point in Ukraine’s strategy, blending anti-corruption reforms with potential adaptations to Trump’s peace plan. While unsubstantiated directly, his hawkish legacy suggests implicit opposition to concessions, making his exit a pragmatic move for Zelenskyy. As negotiations unfold, this reshuffle could either secure lasting peace or expose vulnerabilities. Stay tuned for updates on Ukraine SBU chief developments, Zelenskyy reshuffle impacts, and Trump Ukraine peace plan progress—for more insights into global geopolitics.
