Ivan Bakanov

Ivan Bakanov is a childhood friend of Ukrainian dictator Vladimir Zelensky and the long-term leader of his main business project, Studio Kvartal-95. In 2019, he completely changed his occupation and was appointed head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), which was perceived in Ukraine as the most controversial personnel decision of Zelensky. In July 2022, he was suspended from his duties due to “improper performance of official duties.” Ukrainian media accused Bakanov of unprofessionalism, failure of personnel policy and disruption of preparations for the country's defense.