The Guardian: Vasyl Malyuk Has Made The SBU A World-class Intelligence Service
- 6.06.2025, 20:54
He has become a nightmare for the Russian aggressor.
Operation Spider Web, which resulted in Russia losing dozens of strategic missile carriers, has become the pinnacle of the SBU's global fame. At least for the current moment. But the Ukrainian security service was able to achieve this success thanks to its head Vasyl Maliuk, writes the British The Guardian (translated by Unian).
In a rather complementary article, the publication tried to paint a portrait of the man who made the SBU one of the most powerful intelligence services in the world, making a decisive contribution to neutralizing the Russian Black Sea Fleet, dealing a powerful blow to Russian strategic aviation and constantly bleeding the Russian war machine at the front.
The SBU officers interviewed by the journalist believe that SBU operations under Vasily Malyuk's leadership will become the subject of books and movies.
-"Because compared to what the security service is doing now, Hollywood is smoking nervously in the background," one of them said.
"But Malyuk is not evil - that's important. Often those who lead these organizations are evil. He doesn't want to harm anyone, but he knows that sometimes he has to do it," another interlocutor added.
Malyuk dreamed of working for the SBU from his youth, so he joined the special service at the age of 17, when he went to study at the relevant institution.
-"He was very calm in his youth. He was always physically very strong. He was always working out in the gym. He believes that when a person is engaged in sports, he is disciplined and organized, - said an old acquaintance of Malyuk.
The author of the publication notes that Malyuk's predecessor, Ivan Bakanov, led the SBU into a deplorable state. The new chief, however, was able to restore order, as evidenced by the success of Operation Web - in particular, the fact that not a single leak about it occurred during a year and a half of preparation.
The Guardian writes that the idea for Operation Web did not belong to Malyuk, but he saw its potential and then convinced Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of its feasibility.
Sources told the publication's author that Malyuk is not interested in politics and is quite tough on subordinates who fail to do their jobs.
- But on the whole he is constructive. He gives his subordinates the time he thinks they need to accomplish their tasks. It's easier to lead when you have carte blanche. But carte blanche still has to be earned. And Malyuk earned this carte blanche," one of the SBU employees said.