Zelenskyy Overhauls Security Leadership, Appoints Yevhen Khmara as Acting SBU Head Ahead of Paris Peace Talks
Zelenskyy reshuffled Ukraine’s security leadership—appointing Yevhen Khmara acting SBU head, Kyrylo Budanov chief of staff, and Chrystia Freeland adviser—ahead of Paris peace talks amid attacks.

Ukraine’s Top Security Official Resigns Amid Zelenskyy’s Wartime Defense Shakeup

Zelenskyy forces out Ukrainian spy chief who led daring raids against Russia

Zelenskyy forces out Ukrainian spy chief who led daring raids against Russia

Zelenskyy replaces head of Ukraine's security service ahead of Paris talks
Overview
President Zelenskyy appointed Maj. Gen. Yevhen Khmara as acting SBU head, named Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov chief of staff, and tapped Chrystia Freeland as economic development adviser.
Khmara, a seasoned special‑forces officer, led Alfa from 2023 after serving in SBU Special Operations Center 'A' since 2011 and led covert strikes deep inside Russia.
SBU chief Gen. Vasyl Maliuk resigned amid presidential pressure to rotate senior officials as part of a broader overhaul to strengthen Ukraine's position before potential negotiations.
Paris conference will convene about 30 leaders to form a 'Coalition of the Willing' discussing security guarantees, troop deployments near Ukraine, and ceasefire enforcement roles.
Fierce fighting continues along a 1,000‑km front; Russia launched missiles and 165 drones, damaged energy infrastructure, and a Kyiv clinic attack killed one and wounded three.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing Zelenskyy's strategic reshuffle as a proactive measure to bolster Ukraine's defense and economic resilience. Language choices like "revamp" and "sharpen focus" suggest a positive, forward-thinking approach. The selection of Freeland, a known critic of Putin, is highlighted to underscore Ukraine's alignment with Western allies. The narrative structure prioritizes Ukraine's strategic moves over Russia's responses, subtly framing Ukraine as the active agent in the conflict.