The presidency in Kyiv announced a personnel reshuffle at the country’s intelligence agencies. By decree, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Oleg Ivashchenko as the new head of Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service. The announcement was reported by the Ukrainian outlet Strana. Ivashchenko has long been associated with Ukraine’s defense intelligence structure, especially since 2017 when he took on the role of deputy head within the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense. The move comes amid broader changes in the leadership of key national security bodies.
The turnover at the top follows the removal of Alexey Danilov from his post as secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). Officials explained the reshuffle as part of a strategic adjustment aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s security apparatus during a period of ongoing regional tension. Ivashchenko’s appointment is part of a broader realignment, signaling a shift in how Kyiv structures its intelligence leadership and coordinates with other state security organs.
Earlier in the process, Zelensky had tasked Danilov with another high-profile appointment when he named the secretary of the NSDC alongside changes at the Foreign Intelligence Service. The leadership of the Foreign Intelligence Service, known for its role in gathering strategic intelligence, was placed under new oversight as part of the interim reorganization. The changes reflect Kyiv’s ongoing focus on adapting security institutions to evolving threats and international dynamics.
Alexander Litvinenko had led the Foreign Intelligence Service since July 23, 2021. His background includes birth in Kyiv and training at the Institute of Cryptography, Communications and Informatics, which is associated with the Russian FSB Academy in Moscow, completed in 1994. His tenure, like the broader leadership slate, has been part of Kyiv’s effort to align intelligence leadership with the country’s strategic objectives and security priorities.
Following these developments, comments from Danilov have touched on what Western partners may emphasize to Kyiv in the context of disputes with Moscow and the ongoing security challenges. The dialogue with international allies remains a steady thread in Kyiv’s approach to safeguarding national interests, coordinating military and security strategies, and navigating the broader security landscape in Europe.