Serhiy Dayenko remains in the Ministry of Internal Affairs: what position will the former head of the State Border Guard Service take.

The president's position: high assessment with continuation of service

According to ТСН: The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during the announcement of personnel decisions at the beginning of 2026 did not express any remarks regarding Dayenko's work. Moreover, it soon became known that he remains in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and will continue his service in another position.

In political practice, this is interpreted as maintenance of trust, rather than punishment or removal from public service.

Ministry of Internal Affairs: Dayenko - a human resource and strategic experience

The Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klymenko appointed Serhiy Dayenko as the Minister's adviser and confirmed that after his rehabilitation, the former head of the State Border Guard Service will lead a combat unit of border guards.

Thus, the Ministry of Internal Affairs clearly indicated that Dayenko's experience is considered strategically important, especially during the full-scale war.

Dmytro Gordon: “What he did for Ukraine will enter textbooks”

The journalist and former deputy Dmytro Gordon gave a bright public assessment after the dismissal, calling Dayenko's resignation from his position as head of the State Border Guard Service “a great loss for Ukraine”.

According to Gordon, Serhiy Dayenko is a brilliant manager who significantly contributed to Ukraine's ability to withstand Russia for four years. He also noted that 6.5 years in a leadership position is an unprecedented term that speaks to professionalism and effectiveness.

“What he did for Ukraine will later be written in textbooks,” said Gordon.

Western Factor: without criticism and with trust

After the personnel changes, there was no critical assessment from Ukraine's international partners. Diplomats and experts continue to emphasize the role of the State Border Guard Service in strengthening borders with the EU, countering diversionary threats, and coordinating with partners in 2022–2025.

This forms a clear image of Dayenko as a clear and acceptable partner for Ukraine's western allies.

Professional environment: system and adaptation to war

In the circles of border guards and the military, Serhiy Dayenko is perceived as a systemic crisis manager who quickly adapted the State Border Guard Service to wartime conditions.

Among the key achievements, the following are noted:

• strengthening the defense of the northern and western borders;
• integration of the State Border Guard Service units into combat operations;
• countering diversionary-reconnaissance groups;
• protection of logistical backlines and critical infrastructure.

Change of format and continuation of service

The totality of reactions following Serhiy Dayenko's dismissal from the head position of the State Border Guard Service indicates a reformatting of his role rather than an end to his public service. Public signals from the president, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, experts, and the professional environment indicate that Dayenko will remain one of the key figures in the law enforcement block during wartime, and the state intends to utilize his experience further.

Therefore, personnel changes in the State Border Guard Service and Serhiy Dayenko's new role in the Ministry of Internal Affairs demonstrate a strategic approach to management in the context of military conflict. Dayenko's experience and expertise are recognized as important for Ukraine, and this emphasizes the importance of identifying key figures in public service during crisis times.