What happened
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he has identified candidates to appoint a new head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (DPSU). This became known following a meeting with Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, who reported on the security situation in the regions and the elimination of the consequences of Russian strikes.
Why it matters
Strengthening the leadership of the DPSU is not a cosmetic change, but an element that affects border operations, logistics, and interaction with the Defense Forces. Border guards carry out combat tasks alongside other units, so changes at the top can speed up operational decisions and improve coordination.
Timeline of key steps
The president instructed the minister to present candidates to replace Serhii Deineka. According to the Office of the President, the appointment is to take place soon; meanwhile, on January 4 Serhii Deineka was appointed adviser to the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Earlier, on January 2, Zelenskyy proposed that the head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, head the Office of the President — and he agreed. In turn, the head of military intelligence became Oleh Ivashchenko, the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service; the president signed the corresponding decrees the same day.
"The appointment will take place soon"
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
What’s next
Now the task falls to the ministry: to present formal candidates and carry out the necessary procedures. Security experts note that the speed and transparency of this process will have a direct impact on the ability of border units to respond to threats.
Conclusion
Replacements at the top of security forces during wartime are always about practical effectiveness, not politics. It is worth following not only the names, but how much the new leadership can improve operational readiness and border protection.
