A shootout erupted on September 2 in central Kyiv between Ukraine’s domestic Security Service (SBU) and the military intelligence directorate (HUR), leaving three HUR officers injured, including one seriously wounded and another slightly hurt [1, 2, 3].
The incident occurred during an SBU raid on an apartment linked to Stepan Kaplunov, a Russian nationalist fighting for Ukraine under HUR supervision. Kaplunov had been missing for nine days before the SBU found and detained him [1, 4, 2, 3].
The SBU accused Kaplunov of collaborating with Russian intelligence and involvement in a Russian-backed assassination plot. He initially confessed but later retracted his statement and was subsequently released [1, 4, 3].
According to the SBU, its officers came under fire from HUR agents who tried to block the investigation. The SBU responded with return fire, deploying its elite Alpha unit [1, 2, 3]. However, accounts differ: HUR accused the SBU of kidnapping Kaplunov and claimed the SBU fired first during the clash [2], while the SBU maintains it acted in self-defense after being attacked by HUR personnel [1, 3].
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the shootout, calling it "disgraceful" and "absolutely shameful." He said, "Shooting here in Ukraine is permitted only at Russian occupiers, in defence of Ukraine. Our state will never regard any other shootout as acceptable" [1, 3]. Zelenskyy dismissed Oleh Khramov, head of the SBU department for protection of state secrets, following the incident [1, 4].
Two servicemen from SBU and HUR have been issued notices of suspicion related to the event, signaling the start of a formal investigation [4]. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of uncovering the truth and preventing such incidents in the future [4].
The confrontation exposed sharp internal divisions and tensions between Ukraine’s intelligence agencies amid the ongoing conflict with Russia [1, 2]. Authorities continue their inquiry as Kyiv seeks to maintain cohesion among its security forces.
The investigation and related personnel actions indicate steps underway to address the fallout. Further developments are expected as probes continue and leadership changes take effect.
