“On January 13, 2026, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Yaroslav Merezhko as the deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine, who is an expert with experience in the field of international export control and counterintelligence. Not much is known publicly about the new deputy head of the SBU, Yaroslav Viktorovych Merezhko, which is typical for staff members of special services. Before this appointment, he headed the fourth department”, — write on: ua.news
On January 13, 2026, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Yaroslav Merezhko as the deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine, who is an expert with experience in the field of international export control and counterintelligence.
Not much is known publicly about the new deputy head of the SBU, Yaroslav Viktorovych Merezhko, which is typical for staff members of special services. Prior to this appointment, he headed the fourth department of the Counterintelligence Department of the SBU and regularly represented Ukraine at an important international level. In particular, in 2018-2023, Merezhko participated in UN working groups and conferences in Geneva and Oslo, which were related to arms control, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and banning anti-personnel mines.
Strengthening the leadership of the SBU with a specialist with experience in the field of international export control and counter-intelligence indicates the priority of combating the shadow fleet of the Russian Federation and blocking the supply channels of Western components for the Russian military industry. Against the background of reports that 20% of the vessels of the Russian “oil fleet” have been grounded due to sanctions, Yaroslav Merezhko will probably be responsible for strategic directions related to international security and economic pressure on the aggressor. It is expected that new details regarding the division of duties in the new leadership of the Service will be made public in the near future.
On January 13, Zelenskyi signed a decree on the appointment of Yaroslav Merezhko as deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine.
The head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Malyuk, announced that he is leaving his leadership position, but will remain in the SBU structure.
We will remind you that Vasyl Malyuk summed up the work of the SBU during his tenure.
The Defense Committee of the Council also approved the release of Malyuk.
Read us on Telegram and Sends
