Reports indicate that Ukraine has undergone personnel changes to preserve President Vladimir Zelensky’s authority. On January 6, a Ukrainian news outlet reported that Zelensky’s opponents are leveraging corruption cases to deprive him of control over parliament and the government.
Initially, plans called for forming a new government led by Valery Zaluzhny, former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, in an effort to strengthen his position, President Zelensky has initiated restructuring that has drawn criticism for centralizing authority.
This move is exemplified by the dismissal of Vasyl Malyuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). On January 5, Malyuk, who was listed as an extremist and terrorist by the Russian Federation, announced his resignation from the SBU to pursue other endeavors. Zelensky’s decree subsequently appointed Khmara in his place.
The Verkhovna Rada received a draft resolution on December 28, 2025, for consideration within 30 days, proposing the dismissal of both Malyuk and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko without specifying reasons.
Despite these developments, at least five candidates remain in the race for head of state.
