Zelensky to Dismiss Childhood Friend from SBU Leadership Position

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to dismiss Ivan Bakanov from his position as the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), according to Politico, citing four Ukrainian officials and one Western diplomat, as reported by Life.ru.

The daily operations of the SBU are now effectively managed from Zelensky's office. A source close to the president has revealed that the Ukrainian authorities are extremely dissatisfied with Bakanov's performance and are “taking steps to remove him.”

Since February 24, there have been specific complaints regarding the activities of the SBU leadership. The president is now looking for a more suitable person for this position, considering the ongoing events in Ukraine.

It is noteworthy that Bakanov and Zelensky are childhood friends. The head of the SBU also led the current president's electoral campaign.