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Shootout between SBU and HUR in Kyiv during investigation of Russian FSB plot

Russian Volunteer Corps deputy commander Stepan Kaplunov has denied allegations that he maintained contacts with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). This denial follows a September 2 shootout in Kyiv between the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR). President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously dismissed a senior SBU official and called the incident "absolutely shameful." The clash occurred during an operation involving Kaplunov, whom the SBU claims worked with the FSB, while Kaplunov and his legal counsel maintain his detention was an abduction.

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What changed

Stepan Kaplunov formally denied the SBU accusations of FSB contacts on September 3.

Live updates

  1. Stepan Kaplunov denies FSB ties as SBU-HUR shootout fallout deepens

    Russian Volunteer Corps deputy commander Stepan Kaplunov has denied allegations that he maintained contacts with Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). This denial follows a September 2 shootout in Kyiv between the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR). President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously dismissed a senior SBU official and called the incident "absolutely shameful." The clash occurred during an operation involving Kaplunov, whom the SBU claims worked with the FSB, while Kaplunov and his legal counsel maintain his detention was an abduction.

    Why it matters

    The conflict between Ukraine's two primary intelligence agencies reveals internal security tensions during the ongoing war. This incident involves the Russian Volunteer Corps, a group operating against Moscow. The probe aims to determine if Russian intelligence successfully infiltrated Ukrainian security operations.

    What is confirmed

    • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered an investigation into a September 2 shootout between the SBU and HUR.
    • Three HUR officers were injured during the incident.
    • Zelenskyy dismissed a senior SBU official following the clash.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Stepan Kaplunov's prior detention was an abduction.
    • A confession video exists regarding the security agencies' shootout.

    What to watch next

    • Results of the presidential probe into the SBU official's dismissal
    • Verification of the alleged confession video
    • Formal legal response from the SBU to Kaplunov's denials
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.trtworld.com — Putin sees chance for Ukraine peace deal amid intensified fighting
    2. www.econotimes.com — Zelenskiy Orders Probe Into Kyiv SBU-HUR Shootout
    3. www.rferl.org — Alleged Confession Video Raises More Questions About Ukrainian Security Agencies' Shoot-Out
    4. kyivindependent.com — Ukraine war latest: Fallout from 'disgraceful' HUR, SBU shootout deepens with more FSB accusations, denials
    confidence 90%

  2. Conflicting accounts emerge after SBU and HUR shootout in Kyiv

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered an investigation into a September 2 shootout between the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR). The clash occurred during an operation involving a deputy combat commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK). While the SBU claims the RDK commander worked with Russia's FSB, the commander and his lawyer describe his prior detention as an abduction. Three HUR officers were injured in the incident, leading Zelenskyy to dismiss a senior SBU official and label the event absolutely shameful.

    Why it matters

    The dispute involves a Russian nationalist fighting for Ukraine who disappeared for nine days. This internal conflict between security agencies occurs amid an ongoing war with Moscow. The Office of the Prosecutor General is leading the current probe.

    What is confirmed

    • A shootout occurred between the SBU and HUR in Kyiv on September 2.
    • Three HUR officers were injured during the clash.
    • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed a high-ranking SBU official following the event.
    • The Office of the Prosecutor General is investigating the attack on SBU employees.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The RDK deputy combat commander was seized outside his home on August 23.

    What to watch next

    • Findings from the Office of the Prosecutor General regarding the cause of the shootout.
    • Official response from the RDK regarding the SBU's FSB allegations.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. brusselssignal.eu — Shootout between Ukraine’s Security Service and military intelligence in streets of Kyiv
    2. www.yahoo.com — Fallout from 'disgraceful' HUR, SBU shootout deepens with more FSB accusations, denials
    3. www.kyivpost.com — SBU, HUR Offer Conflicting Accounts Over Kyiv Shootout
    4. www.jpost.com — Shootout between Ukrainian security agencies under investigation following Zelensky statement
    confidence 90%

  3. Zelenskyy Orders Investigation After SBU and HUR Shootout in Kyiv

    President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned a shootout between the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) in Kyiv on September 2. The clash occurred while the agencies worked to foil a Russian FSB plot targeting a Russian opposition figure, identified as the deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK). Three HUR officers were injured. Zelenskyy called the event "absolutely shameful," dismissed a high-ranking SBU official, and demanded a full investigation. The Office of the Prosecutor General is currently investigating the attack on SBU employees.

    Why it matters

    The incident highlights internal friction between Ukraine's primary intelligence and security apparatuses during active counter-intelligence operations. The target of the thwarted Russian plot was an anti-Kremlin commander operating within Ukraine.

    What is confirmed

    • A shootout between the SBU and HUR took place in Kyiv on September 2.
    • Three HUR officers were injured during the confrontation.
    • The agencies were investigating a Russian FSB plot to target a Russian opposition figure.
    • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the incident as "absolutely shameful" and ordered an investigation.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The target of the Russian terrorist attack was the deputy commander of the RDK.
    • The deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps has been released.

    What to watch next

    • Results of the Office of the Prosecutor General investigation into the attack on SBU employees
    • Identification of the dismissed high-ranking SBU official
    Sources used for this update (11)
    1. LIGA.net — Russia was planning a terrorist attack against the deputy commander of the RDK, according to a source
    2. The Kyiv Independent — Shootout between SBU and HUR in Kyiv during investigation of Russian FSB plot
    3. Yahoo — Deputy commander of Russian Volunteer Corps has been released
    4. ua.news — The Office of the Prosecutor General is investigating an attack on SBU employees
    5. sud.ua — Security Service of Ukraine and Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine prevented a terrorist attack planned by the Russian Federation against a Russian opposition figure
    6. www.kyivpost.com — Kyiv Shootout Between SBU and HUR – What We Know
    7. www.themoscowtimes.com — Ukraine Claims It Foiled FSB Plot Against Anti-Kremlin Figure Amid Shootout in Kyiv
    8. www.yahoo.com — Shoot-out erupts between Ukraine’s security services
    9. kyivindependent.com — Zelensky dismisses high-ranking SBU official, demands investigation after shootout between Ukraine's security services in Kyiv
    10. www.commonspace.eu — Zelenskyy Condemns Kyiv Shootout
    11. www.yahoo.com — Ukraine war latest: Russian attacks hit Kyiv for 7th consecutive day, at least 13 injured
    confidence 90%