KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday, January 4, 2026, officially dismissed Lieutenant General Serhii Deineko from his position as head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU), a role he had held for over six years. In separate decrees, Zelenskyy appointed First Deputy Head Valerii Vavryniuk as the acting chief of the agency pending a permanent replacement.
The dismissal was formalized through Presidential Decree No. 9/2026, which states: "Dismiss Serhii Vasylovych Deineko from the post of Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine." A companion Decree No. 10/2026 designates Valerii Pavlovych Vavryniuk to "temporarily perform the duties of the Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine."
The move follows Zelenskyy's announcement on January 2, during a meeting with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, that a leadership change at the SBGSU was imminent. In his evening address, the president praised Deineko's tenure, noting that under his leadership, the service had "undergone a significant path of development and strengthening" over more than six years. Zelenskyy emphasized the agency's role in frontline combat alongside other defense forces and in fortifying borders with Russia and Belarus.
Deineko, appointed in June 2019, will transition to a new role within the Ministry of Internal Affairs system. On January 4, Minister Klymenko announced that Deineko had been appointed as an advisor to the minister, adding that after a recommended short recovery period—citing medical advice—Deineko would command a combat unit within the border guard service. Klymenko expressed appreciation for Deineko's "managerial experience" and "combat achievements."
The leadership transition occurs amid a wider government reshuffle in early 2026, described by Zelenskyy as part of "substantial" internal changes to enhance Ukraine's resilience during the ongoing war with Russia. Recent appointments include former military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as head of the Presidential Office and other personnel shifts in security and defense sectors.
Speculation about the reasons for Deineko's dismissal has circulated in Ukrainian media and political circles. Lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak suggested the change might be linked to questions surrounding large-scale military procurements handled through the SBGSU, referencing past controversies and describing Deineko as closely aligned with former Presidential Office head Andrii Yermak. However, official statements from the president's office and the Interior Ministry have framed the move as a routine rotation, emphasizing continuity and Deineko's continued service.
The State Border Guard Service plays a critical role in Ukraine's defense, managing over 6,000 kilometers of borders and participating actively in combat operations since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Border guard units were among the first to engage Russian forces, and the service has integrated into broader military efforts, including offensive and defensive actions in key regions.
Acting chief Valerii Vavryniuk, a major general with extensive experience, previously served in regional directorates and has been involved in international cooperation, including discussions on integrated border management with EU partners. Zelenskyy indicated on January 4 that he and Minister Klymenko had already narrowed down candidates for the permanent position, with an appointment expected "shortly."
This personnel change comes as Ukraine prepares for potential shifts in international support with the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump and continues to coordinate sanctions and military aid with allies. The SBGSU's effectiveness in countering smuggling, illegal crossings, and hybrid threats remains vital amid heightened border security concerns.
No immediate disruptions to operations were reported, and the service continues its dual mandate of border protection and frontline participation.
