Zelenskyy Orders Security Service Purge: Officials Not Serving Ukraine to Be Dismissed.

Ukrainian President on the Security Service Purge

According to Novyny.live: During a briefing presented by acting SBU head Yevhenii Khmar and First Deputy Head Oleksandr Poklad, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered a purge of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The meeting's primary focus was to discuss the agency's efforts to counter Russian threats. This directive comes as Ukraine's security apparatus faces intense pressure from a full-scale war.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the critical importance of combating Russian operations and the SBU's combat work. He stated that

“the report by Major General Yevhenii Khmar, primarily on countering Russian operations and the combat work of the Security Service of Ukraine”

“tough actions are needed and a truly fully strong Security Service”

Key Priorities for the SBU

The main priorities for the SBU's work include:

• countering Russian cyber operations;
• thwarting the plans of the Russian Federation in Ukraine.

These actions are aimed at ensuring stability and security in the country amid existing threats. The urgency of such measures is underscored by the President's warning on February 16 about potential mass strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

The Security Service of Ukraine continues to work on strengthening its position and countering external threats to protect national interests and state security.

The purge of the SBU could significantly impact the agency's effectiveness during the war with Russia, as trust in the security structure is critically important for national defense. Simultaneously, active measures to counter Russian threats, particularly in cyberspace, highlight the need for the SBU to adapt to new challenges facing Ukraine. These steps may strengthen the country's position in the face of escalating aggression from its neighbor.