Ukraine War: Zelensky replaces security council chief in new reshuffle

In a fresh shuffle that comes after the reorganization of the military high command last month, President Volodymyr Zelensky fired the secretary of Ukraine's national security council on Tuesday and appointed the head of his foreign intelligence agency in his place.

More than two years after Russia's full-scale invasion, a succession of tersely worded decrees were posted on the president's website with no explanation for the modifications.

The National Security and Defense Council's departing secretary, Oleksiy Danilov, had been in the role since October 2019, a few months after Zelensky assumed office.

Zelensky named 51-year-old Oleksandr Lytvynenko, the head of the foreign intelligence service, to lead the council despite his virtually nonexistent public persona.

The president appoints the nation's senior security, political, and defense chiefs to the council, which coordinates matters pertaining to national security and defense.

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In the east, Ukraine is fighting to repel Russian forces while its crucial partner, the United States, is unable to provide military support because of opposition from Republicans in Congress.

The depth and strength of Ukrainian defenses are now being questioned by military specialists, who also see a shortage of troops as a problem. Russia is on the attack and has a far bigger population than Ukraine.

Zelensky's orders designated Oleh Ivashchenko, a low-key deputy head of the Ukrainian military spy service, as the new head of foreign intelligence.

In February, the head of the armed forces was replaced by the leader of Ukraine. Large portions of the military's senior leadership were also removed and replaced.

(With agency inputs)