Ukraine Claims It Foiled FSB Plot Against Anti-Kremlin Figure Amid Shootout in Kyiv

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   Ukraine Spy Agencies Clash in Kyiv During Operation

   An armed confrontation erupted in downtown Kyiv between operatives from the Security Service of Ukraine and the Main Directorate of Intelligence during an investigation into a Russian FSB assassination plot. Ukrainian security services claim they thwarted a Russian plot targeting a Russian opposition figure involving a commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps. The daylight gunfight triggered an immediate political fallout, drawing sharp rebukes from leadership and leading to leadership changes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the incident as disgraceful, while prosecutors and officials launched formal investigations into the attack on security personnel.

   Why it matters

   The armed clash between rival intelligence and security branches exposes severe operational friction within Ukraine's security apparatus during wartime. The incident forced swift dismissals and departmental restructuring ordered by the presidential office. It also complicates ongoing counterintelligence operations targeting Russian infiltration networks and dissident groups fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.

   What is confirmed

   • A shootout occurred in Kyiv between the Security Service of Ukraine and Defence Intelligence.
   • The Security Service of Ukraine accused a commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps of plotting to assassinate a Russian opposition figure for the Russian FSB.
   • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rebuked the spy agencies over the incident and announced personnel changes.
   • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Oleg Khramov from the position of head of the SBU department.
   • The Office of the Prosecutor General is investigating the attack on SBU employees.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Specific details regarding casualties from the clash involving law enforcement bodies and the exact identities of all injured personnel remain unverified by official cross-agency consensus.

   What to watch next

   • Findings from the Office of the Prosecutor General investigation into the shootout.
   • Further personnel dismissals or restructuring within the SBU and HUR.
   • Official statements regarding the status of the accused Russian Volunteer Corps commander.
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. Kyiv Post — Kyiv Reports Shootout Between Two Intelligence Agencies – What Happened?
   2. Ukrinform — SSU, DIU foil Russian plot to assassinate Russian opposition leader
   3. The Kyiv Independent — Shootout between SBU and HUR in Kyiv during investigation of Russian FSB plot
   4. ua.news — The Office of the Prosecutor General is investigating an attack on SBU employees
   5. ft.com — Volodymyr Zelenskyy rebukes spy agencies after Kyiv shootout
   6. The Moscow Times — Ukraine Claims It Foiled FSB Plot Against Anti-Kremlin Figure Amid Shootout in Kyiv
   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. Українська правда — Lawyer of Russian Volunteer Corps deputy commander reports on those injured in clash between Ukrainian law enforcement bodies
   11. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: ‘Shameful’ – Zelenskyy furious after shootout between Kyiv’s spy services
   12. Межа. Новини України. — Zelenskyy Dismisses SBU Department Chief in Presidential Decree
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