Russian Military Targets Head of Ukraine’s Security Service
On August 13, 2025, Russian forces attempted to eliminate the head of Ukraine’s Security Service, Vasyl Maliuk, by launching ballistic missile strikes targeting his locations, reports 24brussels.
Maliuk revealed in an interview with the “We are Ukraine” television channel that since October 2022, following Ukraine’s first strike on the Crimean Bridge during Vladimir Putin’s 70th birthday, he has been a primary target. This focus intensified after the Ukrainian operation “Web,” which has compelled Russian forces to prioritize his elimination.
“They are trying, but they cannot reach me through sabotage. Therefore, they are now planning to carry out assassinations using missile and drone strikes,” Maliuk stated. He emphasized the need for vigilance, noting that he continuously changes his locations and employs various security measures. He added that the enemy focuses on identifying sites that fall outside the coverage of Patriot air defense systems to execute strikes using ballistic missiles.
He recounted instances where two “Iskander” missiles struck a reserve command post, precisely targeting his movements. Despite the threats against him, Maliuk asserted that these attempts do not hinder his work; rather, they motivate him further. “I sit before you, alive and healthy, smiling. In this life, it is all just over a cup of coffee,” the SBU chief remarked.
Additionally, Maliuk mentioned recent assassination attempts against President Volodymyr Zelensky, one of which reportedly involved employees of the State Guard Department.
