The Guardian: 'typical nightclub bouncer' turned the SBU into a world-class intelligence service

The Guardian has devoted a lengthy article to the head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Vasyl Malyuk, stressing that it was under his leadership that the SBU managed to turn into one of the most efficient and powerful special services in the world.

The publication points out that the SBU attracted the world's attention with the operation "Spider Web", as a result of which Russia lost dozens of strategic missile carriers.

The authors of the material note that such success was possible thanks to the determination and systematic approach of Malyuk, who not only supported the idea of the operation, but also convinced President Vladimir Zelensky of its importance.

The preparation of the special operation lasted for a year and a half, and not a single leak occurred during that time. And this is a testament to the high level of internal security and discipline in the SBU," the newspaper said.

The Guardian describes Malyuk's appearance as "typical nightclub bouncer" - smooth-shaven, with a powerful figure and confident posture. But behind the rugged appearance lies a leader who is respected not for his ostentatious toughness, but for his fairness, focus and efficiency. One SBU official said in an interview: "What the SBU is doing now is a plot not just for a film, but for a Hollywood blockbuster. Hollywood is not even close to it.

Colleagues call Malyuk a "bulldog" - a man who acts quickly and without hesitation. At the same time, he is not considered evil: on the contrary, it is emphasised that he does not seek violence, but clearly understands when it is necessary to achieve the goal.

The article says that since his youth Malyuk dreamed of serving in the SBU: already at the age of 17 he entered the relevant educational institution. Those close to him from his student days remember him as a calm, physically strong and disciplined young man who believed that sport helps develop will, order and self-organisation.

Journalists note that his predecessor Ivan Bakanov left the SBU in a state of deep crisis, when the structure was considered to be infiltrated by Kremlin agents. Maliuk managed to restore confidence in the service, restore order and bring it to a qualitatively new level, which is vividly confirmed by Operation Spider's Web. The success of the operation is also due to the fact that not a word about it was leaked for a year and a half - an unprecedented level of secrecy.

Sources emphasise that Malyuk is not interested in politics; he is harsh on those who fail in their tasks, but gives his subordinates the necessary time and space to carry out their missions.