SBU says it foiled FSB plot targeting Russian opposition figure in Kyiv

Ukraine's Security Service of Ukraine, known as the SBU, and Ukraine's Defense Intelligence announced on September 2 that they had thwarted a terrorist plot against a Russian opposition figure during his visit to Ukraine for Independence Day. The plan was allegedly orchestrated by Russia's Federal Security Service, or the FSB. The SBU did not provide further details, but sources cited by RBC-Ukraine identified the intended target as Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander for combat operations of the Russian Volunteer Corps, or the RVC.

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence claimed the attempt was foiled in Kyiv. Shortly after the announcement, several Telegram channels reported an alleged shooting involving personnel from the SBU and Defense Intelligence in Kyiv's Dniprovskyi District. However, these reports have not been officially confirmed. RVC chief of staff Oleksandr Fortuna revealed on September 1 that Kaplunov had been taken from his home by unidentified individuals several days earlier.

Concerned by this development, Fortuna promptly alerted Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, the SBU, and the State Bureau of Investigation. RVC leader Denys Kapustin later expressed disapproval of Fortuna's decision to disclose the situation publicly, urging the public to await official statements from the relevant authorities.