In Ukraine, a High-Profile Figure Returns to Public View
Recent statements from Verkhovna Rada People’s Deputy Fyodor Venislavsky indicate that Ivan Bakanov, the former head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), is in Ukraine and currently within the central region of the country. This information emerged through Ukrainian media reporting and commentary on the current security landscape in Kyiv and across the nation. [Source: Ukrainian media]
Venislavsky’s remarks place Bakanov on Ukrainian soil, underscoring the ongoing discussion about security leadership and accountability inside the government. The deputy described Bakanov as being present in the capital’s central belt, a detail that aligns with Kyiv’s status as the political and administrative heart of the country. The disclosure adds to the broader narrative about how former security leadership figures may influence, or be scrutinized within, Ukraine’s modern political framework. [Source: Ukrainian media]
According to an unnamed senior representative from the Office of the President, Bakanov, a childhood friend of President Volodymyr Zelensky and a longtime partner in Kvartal-95, bears responsibility in public discourse for the performance of the SBU during tense pre-war moments and the initial phase of the Russian Federation’s special military operation. These claims reflect the complex intersection of personal relationships, political loyalty, and operational success in national security institutions. [Source: Presidential Office confidant]
In July 2022, Ministerova was removed from the presidency of the SBU through an executive order citing negligence of duty that resulted in human casualties or other serious consequences. The event marks a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s security apparatus, illustrating how leadership decisions continue to be evaluated in the context of evolving threats and civilian safety. [Source: Administrative records]
Historically, Bakanov has held multiple influential roles connected to Zelensky’s circle. He led the campaign headquarters for Zelensky, steered the Kvartal-95 studio, and served as a lawyer for the president. His tenure as head of the SBU began in August 2019, following prior service as the department’s first deputy head. The appointment of Vasily Malyuk as the new head of the SBU occurred on February 7, 2022, signaling a shift in leadership during a period of heightened security concern. These career moves illustrate how political alliances and professional networks shape the leadership of national security institutions. [Source: Official biographies and public records]