Zelensky Fires Spy Chief Amid Criticism

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the head of the country's domestic security agency. The move has sparked significant political controversy. The official removed, Iryna Venediktova, led the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The SBU is a powerful agency responsible for counter-intelligence and internal security. It has been widely praised for its effectiveness during the war with Russia. President Zelensky did not give a detailed reason for the dismissal. He stated it was due to numerous cases of collaboration with Russia by members of the agency. He appointed Vasyl Maliuk, a senior SBU official, as the acting head. The sudden reshuffle has drawn heavy criticism from some Ukrainian officials and observers. They argue that removing a key leader from a successful wartime agency could disrupt critical operations.