Zelenskyy Ousts Top Intel Chief Vasyl Maliuk Amid Ukraine's Security Shake-up

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed Vasyl Maliuk as head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in a significant security shake-up.
• Maliuk, a popular military leader, is credited with overseeing ambitious operations against Russian forces, including the 2024 killing of a Russian chemical weapons division head and attacks on the Crimean Bridge.
• He stated he would remain within the SBU system to continue "world-class asymmetric special operations" against the enemy.
• The SBU also executed "Operation Spiderweb," a drone attack on Russian nuclear-capable bombers and airfields deep behind front lines.
• This change follows a broader reshuffle, including a corruption scandal leading to Andriy Yermak's resignation and new appointments in the presidential office and defense ministry.

Why It Matters: Zelenskyy's removal of SBU chief Maliuk signals a major shift in Ukraine's security leadership.