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yesterday

Zelensky Replaces Security Chief, Names Acting SBU Head Ahead of Paris Talks

Kyiv seeks U.S.-backed security guarantees at Paris talks.

Medical workers remove the debris in a damaged private clinic after, according to Ukrainian officials, a Russian drone hit a hospital room killing a patient, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, Jan 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
A damaged private clinic is seen after, according to Ukrainian officials, a Russian air attack when a drone hit a hospital room killing a patient, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, Jan 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
Medical workers remove the debris in a damaged private clinic after, according to Ukrainian officials, a Russian drone hit a hospital room killing a patient, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, Jan 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
Medical workers remove the debris in a damaged private clinic after, according to Ukrainian officials, a Russian drone hit a hospital room killing a patient, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, Jan 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Overview

  • Vasyl Maliuk stepped down as head of the Security Service of Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Yevhenii Khmara as acting chief by decree.
  • Zelensky said Maliuk will remain within the SBU to focus on asymmetric operations against Russia, praising his wartime record while advancing leadership changes.
  • The reshuffle follows Kyrylo Budanov’s move to lead the President’s Office and the dismissal of Border Guard chief Serhii Deineko, with Valeriy Vavryniuk serving as interim and Deineko reassigned as an interior minister advisor.
  • European leaders meet in Paris on Jan. 6 to advance a U.S.-backed 20-point security and peace framework, with allied chiefs holding preparatory sessions and debates over guarantees and potential deployments.
  • Poland reaffirmed it will not send troops to Ukraine but will provide logistical and infrastructure support, as Zelensky says Ukraine will continue to defend itself if diplomacy fails.