Zelenskyy Blasts 'Disgraceful' Kyiv Shoot-Out Between Ukraine's Security Agencies

Live updates

1. 12d ago

   Zelenskyy Rebukes Spy Agencies After Kyiv Shootout

   Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced a downtown Kyiv shootout between rival intelligence units as disgraceful, following an armed clash that wounded three officers. The incident exposes a deepening feud between the Security Service of Ukraine and military intelligence agencies. While authorities claimed they were foiling an FSB plot targeting an anti-Kremlin figure, the confrontation sparked bitter institutional infighting and conflicting accounts. The deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps later claimed that security forces tried to use his testimony under duress to discredit the head of the president office, though his lawyer argued he spoke under pressure.

   Why it matters

   The armed confrontation highlights dangerous internal fractures within Ukraine security apparatus while the country battles invading Russian forces. Such public infighting among elite agencies threatens command cohesion and political stability in Kyiv. High-ranking officials face mounting pressure to resolve institutional rivalries as foreign envoys prepare to visit the capital.

   What is confirmed

   • An armed clash between Ukraine military intelligence and security service left three officers wounded in Kyiv.
   • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the incident disgraceful.
   • The Security Service of Ukraine released a video in which the deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps admitted links to the FSB.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps claimed that the Security Service tried to use his testimony to discredit the head of the President Office.

   What to watch next

   • Findings from official investigations into the downtown Kyiv shootout between security agencies.
   • Visits to Kyiv and Moscow by United States special envoys.
   • Further developments regarding the allegations involving the Russian Volunteer Corps deputy commander.
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. ft.com — Volodymyr Zelenskyy rebukes spy agencies after Kyiv shootout
   2. The Moscow Times — Ukraine Claims It Foiled FSB Plot Against Anti-Kremlin Figure Amid Shootout in Kyiv
   3. WSJ — Gunfight in Kyiv Deepens Feud Between Ukraine’s Powerful Spy Agencies
   4. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: ‘Shameful’ – Zelenskyy furious after shootout between Kyiv’s spy services
   5. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Zelenskyy Blasts 'Disgraceful' Kyiv Shoot-Out Between Ukraine’s Security Agencies
   6. Українська правда — Security Service of Ukraine releases video in which deputy commander of Russian Volunteer Corps admits links to FSB; lawyer claims he was under duress
   7. Al Jazeera — Ukrainian intel agencies in Kyiv firefight: What happened and why?
   8. Business Insider — Ukrainian special forces units clashed with each other in a bitter downtown Kyiv shootout
   9. The New York Times — Rival Ukrainian Intelligence Units Open Fire Against Each Other in Kyiv
   10. Українська правда — Deputy commander of Russian Volunteer Corps claims Ukraine's Security Service tried to use his testimony to discredit head of President's Office
   11. www.rferl.org — Zelenskyy Says US Envoys To Visit Kyiv, Moscow As Russia Again Strikes Ukraine's Capital
   12. www.rferl.org — Why Was There A Shoot-Out In Kyiv Between Security and Intelligence Agents?
   confidence 95%