Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Yevhen Khmara, commander of the SBU Special Operations Center "A", as the acting head of the security service.

As Hvylya reports, Decree No. 19/2026 was published on the President's website on January 5.

"The Chief of the Special Operations Center 'A' of the Security Service of Ukraine, Yevhen Leonidovych Khmara, shall temporarily perform the duties of the Chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine," the document reads.

In a separate decree, No. 18/2026 "On Certain Issues of Organizing the Activities of the Security Service of Ukraine," Zelensky established that:

  • the SBU Chairman shall have one first deputy and four deputies;
  • in the event of the Chairman's temporary absence, his powers are exercised by the First Deputy, or in the First Deputy's absence, by a deputy designated by the Chairman;
  • during the period of martial law, in the event of the SBU Chairman's temporary absence, the acting head of the special service may be designated directly by the President of Ukraine.

This decree enters into force on the day of its publication.

The personnel decision followed immediately after the official resignation statement by Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk. The former SBU chief announced he would remain within the system to implement asymmetric special operations. The President had previously met with Khmara to discuss the future development of the agency.

Background:

The new acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Yevhen Khmara, is an experienced special forces officer whose entire career is linked to the legendary "Alpha" unit. He has served in the Special Operations Center "A" since 2011 and has risen rapidly to the rank of Major General.

According to his biographical profile, Khmara was appointed Chief of the Special Operations Center—which handles counter-terrorism and witness protection—on April 14, 2023. By August 24 of that year, he received the rank of Brigadier General, and in June 2024, he was promoted to Major General.

On August 25, 2025, the President appointed him head of the Special Operations Center "A"—a key unit responsible for high-profile and asymmetric operations against the enemy. Notable among the General's primary combat achievements is his direct leadership in the operation to liberate Snake Island in 2023.

Yevhen Khmara has been awarded the Order of Danylo Halytsky and the Order for Courage, 3rd Class, for heroism in the fight against crime.