Kyiv Shootout Between SBU and HUR – What We Know
Servicemen from HUR reportedly fired at the SBU in Kyiv on Wednesday when the latter was working against a plot by Russia’s FSB. The case reportedly involves the disappearance of a deputy commander from the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), with the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) arriving on scene to intervene.
A shootout erupted in Kyiv on Wednesday morning between officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and soldiers from Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR) while they were investigating a Russian espionage attempt targeting the deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK). The SBU, responsible for domestic intelligence and counterterrorism, and HUR, focused on foreign intelligence and reconnaissance, were both involved in the incident.
The RDK is a military unit comprised of Russian nationals fighting on behalf of Ukraine against Moscow. Following the event, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office launched a new criminal investigation, stating that SBU officers were given orders to prevent an unspecified "terrorist act" from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).
During the operation, attackers armed with vehicles tried to block the SBU officers’ progress and subsequently detained. The Prosecutor Office said the attackers belonged to a unit of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, believed to be HUR. Local media reported that State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) officers arrived at the scene to intervene and help both parties disarm.
The case appears to be linked to a Russian espionage plot involving Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the RDK. The SBU claimed they worked with HUR to thwart an FSB attack against a Russian opposition leader visiting Ukraine for Independence Day. However, Russian outlet Astra later claimed HUR had removed their side of the announcement.
Kaplunov was last seen near his home several days ago, and the RDK reported the incident to relevant law enforcement agencies, including the SBU and HUR. Ukrainian authorities have not publicly confirmed whether Kaplunov was abducted, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office and a former HUR officer, urged for a thorough and impartial investigation, emphasizing that no one should be allowed to kidnap servicemen with impunity or engage in open violence in public spaces.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
