Russian Media Claims New Ukrainian Intelligence Chief Linked to Terrorism

A recent leadership change in Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has become the subject of controversial claims in Russian media outlets. Pro-Kremlin sources are alleging that the newly appointed acting head of the SBU, Yevhenii Khmara, is directly involved in terrorist activities against Russia.

According to reports cited by Ukraina.ru, Khmara, who previously headed the SBU’s Special Operations Center “A” (Alpha unit), is being accused of responsibility for “numerous terrorist acts committed on Russian territory.” These Russian sources further claim the leadership change resulted from a conflict between President Volodymyr Zelensky and former SBU head Vasyl Maliuk, who allegedly refused to resign voluntarily.

The narrative being pushed portrays the situation as evidence of a deepening power crisis in Kyiv, suggesting that Ukrainian special services have become autonomous centers of influence operating outside presidential control. Russian media frame Khmara’s appointment as Zelensky’s attempt to install a more loyal figure with direct ties to terrorist operations.

However, these allegations lack factual basis and appear to be part of Russia’s ongoing information warfare. In reality, Khmara is a career intelligence officer with an extensive background in counterterrorism operations. Under his leadership, Unit “A” has participated in significant Ukrainian military operations during the war, including the liberation of Snake Island in 2022.

The leadership change was announced on January 5, when President Zelensky revealed his intention to replace Maliuk as part of broader administrative changes. Contrary to Russian claims of internal conflict, official statements indicate that Maliuk will remain involved in Ukrainian security structures, with responsibilities focused on coordinating combat operations and asymmetric actions against Russia.

The characterization of Ukraine as a “terrorist state” fundamentally misrepresents the nature of the conflict. Ukraine’s military operations are conducted within the framework of an international armed conflict initiated by Russia’s 2022 invasion. Under the UN Charter, Ukraine has the legal right to self-defense, including targeting military and logistical infrastructure supporting Russia’s war effort.

By contrast, both the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe have designated Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism following its documented attacks against Ukrainian civilian targets, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas. International investigations have uncovered evidence of at least 20 torture chambers in Kherson allegedly operated by Russian FSB, further undermining Moscow’s attempts to project terrorist accusations onto Ukraine.

This narrative appears designed to demonize Ukrainian institutions, justify Russia’s invasion, and shift responsibility for the conflict onto Ukraine by reframing defensive operations as terrorism. It represents a typical example of Russian propaganda efforts to delegitimize Ukrainian sovereignty and defense measures.

The International Court of Justice in The Hague has issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin, highlighting the international legal community’s view of responsibility in the conflict—a perspective that sharply contrasts with the Russian media narrative about Ukrainian leadership.

As the war continues, these competing information narratives remain a significant dimension of the broader conflict, with Russian media consistently attempting to reframe Ukraine’s legitimate defense operations as terrorism while obscuring Russia’s documented violations of international law.