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.

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   Zelenskyy Rebukes Security Services After Kyiv Shootout and Detention

   President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned a shootout between the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Defence Intelligence (HUR) in Kyiv as shameful and disgraceful. The clash occurred during an investigation into a Russian FSB plot. Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, was released after being detained or abducted during the incident. Zelenskyy has since announced personnel changes and ordered a thorough investigation into the conflict between the two intelligence agencies.

   Why it matters

   The Russian Volunteer Corps is an anti-Kremlin group that fights for Ukraine. Conflict between Ukraine's internal security and military intelligence agencies suggests friction within the state's security apparatus.

   What is confirmed

   • A shootout occurred in Kyiv between the SBU and HUR.
   • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the incident as shameful and disgraceful.
   • Zelenskyy announced personnel changes following the shootout.
   • The incident took place during an investigation into a Russian FSB plot.
   • Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, has been released.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Kaplunov alleges the SBU tried to use his testimony to discredit Kyrylo Budanov and Dmytro Ivanov.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the thorough investigation into the security services shootout
   • Details on the specific personnel changes announced by Zelenskyy
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. Kyiv Post — Kyiv Reports Shootout Between Two Intelligence Agencies – What Happened?
   2. The Kyiv Independent — Shootout between SBU and HUR in Kyiv during investigation of Russian FSB plot
   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. Українська правда — Shooting between Security Service and Defence Intelligence: Zelenskyy announces personnel changes
   9. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: ‘Shameful’ – Zelenskyy furious after shootout between Kyiv’s spy services
   10. news.liga.net — Shootout in Kyiv: Zelenskyy lashed out at SBU and GUR chiefs – advisor
   11. Українська правда — Head of Zelenskyy's office on shootout between Security Service and Defence Intelligence: thorough investigat
   12. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Zelenskyy Blasts 'Disgraceful' Kyiv Shoot-Out Between Ukraine’s Security Agencies
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