Zelensky Appoints Yevhen Khmara as Interim Head of the SSU of Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Yevhen Khmara as the interim Head of the Security Service of Ukraine.

The relevant Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 19/2026 was published on the official website of the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Yevhen Khmara will replace Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, who is leaving the post of the Head of the SSU.

Yevhen Leonidovych Khmara is a military officer of the Security Service of Ukraine, Major General and Head of the Special Group “Alpha.”

He began his career at the Special Group “Alpha” in 2011.

During Russia’s full-scale invasion, he gained a reputation as an experienced special forces commander who participated in numerous operations behind enemy lines.

In April 2023, Khmara was appointed head of the SSU’s special operations unit; after the reform of the special forces structure, he was reappointed as head of the Special Group “Alpha” on August 25, 2025.

On June 23, 2024, the President promoted him to the rank of Major General.

Khmara was awarded state decorations for his service achievements and courage, including the Order of Danylo Halytsky and the Order for Courage of the III degree.