Gunfight in Kyiv Deepens Feud Between Ukraine’s Powerful Spy Agencies

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   Zelenskyy Fires SBU Official After Security Agency Shootout in Kyiv

   President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed SBU department head Oleg Khramov and ordered an investigation following a gunfight between the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Defence Intelligence (HUR) in Kyiv. The clash occurred during the detention or abduction of the Russian Volunteer Corps deputy commander, who has since been released. Ukraine claims the operation simultaneously foiled an FSB plot to assassinate a Russian opposition figure. Zelenskyy described the inter-agency violence as "shameful," stating that only Russian occupiers should be shot.

   Why it matters

   The incident highlights an intensifying feud between Ukraine's primary intelligence and security apparatuses. This internal friction occurs while both agencies are tasked with counter-intelligence and managing foreign volunteer units.

   What is confirmed

   • A shootout occurred in Kyiv between the Security Service of Ukraine and Defence Intelligence.
   • Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed SBU department head Oleg Khramov.
   • The deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps was released after being detained or abducted.
   • Zelenskyy ordered a probe into the inter-agency clash.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The SBU and DIU foiled a Russian FSB plot to assassinate a Russian opposition leader during the incident.
   • The Russian Volunteer Corps deputy commander was abducted by unknown individuals.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the official investigation into the SBU-HUR clash
   • Further personnel changes within the SBU or HUR
   • Official confirmation of the foiled FSB assassination plot
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. Українська правда — UP: Investigators and special forces commander arrive at site of Security Service-Defence Intelligence stando
   2. Ukrinform — SSU, DIU foil Russian plot to assassinate Russian opposition leader
   3. Meduza — The deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, which fights for Ukraine, was either abducted or detained in Kyiv. The incident ended in a shootout between Ukraine’s security services.
   4. ft.com — Volodymyr Zelenskyy rebukes spy agencies after Kyiv shootout
   5. The Moscow Times — Ukraine Claims It Foiled FSB Plot Against Anti-Kremlin Figure Amid Shootout in Kyiv
   6. pravda.com.ua — Deputy commander of Russian Volunteer Corps has been released
   7. The Telegraph — Shoot-out erupts between Ukraine’s security services
   8. Судово-юридична газета — Volodymyr Zelensky Dismissed Oleg Khramov from the Position of Head of the SBU Department
   9. Українська правда — Shooting between Security Service and Defence Intelligence: Zelenskyy announces personnel changes
   10. WSJ — Gunfight in Kyiv Deepens Feud Between Ukraine’s Powerful Spy Agencies
   11. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: ‘Shameful’ – Zelenskyy furious after shootout between Kyiv’s spy services
   12. Українська правда — Russian Volunteer Corps says its deputy commander has been abducted by unknown individuals
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