Zelensky dismissed Ihor Yelkhanovitch Faradzhev - the head of the SBU Personnel Management Department

On September 12, 2023, President Volodymyr Zelensky took another significant step in reshuffling the leadership of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) by dismissing Ihor Yelkhanovitch Faradzhev from his role as the head of the Personnel Department, according to Decree No. 575/2023, which was made public on the official website of the Head of State.

While the decree itself provided no explicit details regarding the rationale behind this personnel change, it marks yet another instance in a series of alterations within the SBU's leadership structure during President Zelensky's tenure.

Continued Evolution of SBU Leadership

It is worth noting that Ihor Yelkhanovitch Faradzhev had been appointed to the position of head of the Personnel Department on October 1, 2019. In recognition of his service and contributions, President Zelensky had conferred upon him the rank of major general in August 2020.

This move by President Zelensky follows earlier changes in the leadership of the SBU, particularly at the regional level. In March, Zelensky initiated a series of replacements of SBU heads in various regions, aiming to refresh and reinvigorate the organization's local operations.

On May 25, 2023, President Zelensky made the decision to dismiss Taras Ciucsjura from his position as the head of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Khmelnytsky Oblast. This move was part of the broader effort to bring new perspectives and leadership to the SBU's regional offices.

Strategic Regional Changes within the SBU

More recently, on August 29, 2023, President Zelensky continued his commitment to restructuring the SBU by dismissing the head of the SBU Branch in the Zakarpattia Oblast, Yevhen Borzilov. This change was likely driven by the need for fresh leadership and strategic direction in this specific region, as the president seeks to ensure the effectiveness and responsiveness of Ukraine's security apparatus across the country.

While the exact motivations behind these personnel changes remain undisclosed, they reflect President Zelensky's ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize Ukraine's security infrastructure. As Ukraine faces evolving security challenges, these leadership changes are a part of the broader strategy to adapt and enhance the country's capabilities in safeguarding its national interests.