# Ukrainian intelligence agencies clash in Kyiv

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ukrainian-intelligence-agencies-clash-in-kyiv
> Updated: 2026-09-05T08:33:13.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 2.

A violent shootout occurred in Kyiv’s Dniprovskyi district between members of Ukraine’s State Security Service (SBU) and the Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), leaving at least three HUR personnel wounded.

The confrontation centered on the detention of Stepan Kaplunov, a member of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK/RVC) fighting for Ukraine under HUR command. The SBU alleged that Kaplunov was involved in an FSB-linked plot to assassinate a Russian opposition leader and claimed evidence suggested he was offered payments by the FSB to target Ukrainian soldiers. The SBU stated that an armed group blocked their vehicles during a search, prompting a response from their Alpha special unit.

In contrast, HUR and Kaplunov’s legal counsel characterized the event as an “unprovoked attack” and an “illegal abduction” of unarmed intelligence officers. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the incident as “absolutely shameful,” noting that firearms should only be used against Russian occupiers.

Following the clash, investigations expanded to include the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), which is examining potential abuse of power by SBU employees. Simultaneously, prosecutors are investigating an HUR soldier for allegedly attacking a law enforcement officer. President Zelenskyy has indicated that further dismissals within the leadership of both agencies are forthcoming, following his initial dismissal of the SBU’s Department for State Secrets Protection and Licensing head.

## Claims

- The SBU claims to have foiled an FSB operation intended to kill a Russian opposition figure. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Armed confrontation and gunfire occurred between the SBU and HUR in the Dnipro district of Kyiv on September 2, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The conflict involves the whereabouts of Stepan Kaplunov, a Russian citizen fighting for Ukraine with the Russian Volunteer Corps. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The SBU released a video of Stepan Kaplunov stating he was contacted by the FSB regarding contract killings. (single source)
- The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) is investigating an SBU employee for suspected abuse of power. (single source)
- Prosecutors suspect an HUR soldier of attacking a law enforcement officer. (single source)
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced dismissals within the leadership of the involved security agencies. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Ukraine security services clash in Kyiv shooting

Armed clashes and gunfire occurred in Kyiv between Ukraine’s SBU and military intelligence (HUR) over the detention of a Russian volunteer, prompting investigations and promised leadership dismissals.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukrainian-intelligence-agencies-clash-in-kyiv-over-suspected-fsb-ties

### 2026-09-02: Kyiv shootout between SBU and HUR intelligence agencies leaves three wounded

A shootout between Ukraine's SBU and HUR intelligence agencies in Kyiv has wounded three officers, sparking a major investigation and the dismissal of a senior SBU official.

55 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyiv-security-services-clash-in-armed-confrontation

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Cite as: Ukrainian intelligence agencies clash in Kyiv. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ukrainian-intelligence-agencies-clash-in-kyiv
