{
  "id": 5042365,
  "title": "Ukraine thwarts FSB plot against Russian opposition figure Stepan Kaplunov, source says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/ukraine-thwarts-fsb-plot-against-russian-opposition-figure-stepan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T07:45:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Independent",
    "slug": "kyiv-independent",
    "url": "https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-prevents-fsb-plot-against-russian-opposition-figure/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 2, Ukraine thwarted an alleged Russian terrorist plot against opposition figure Stepan Kaplunov, according to a source in Ukraine's Defense Forces. Kaplunov, deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) supporting Kyiv, was in Ukraine for Independence Day celebrations on August 24. On September 1, the RVC reported on Telegram that Kaplunov had been abducted by unknown individuals outside his home. In a subsequent Telegram post on September 2, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) claimed it and military intelligence (HUR) had thwarted a terrorist attack prepared by Russia's Security Service (FSB) against a leading Russian opposition political figure. A Defense Forces source confirmed Kaplunov's identity to the Kyiv Independent, but his current whereabouts and condition remain unknown. Ongoing investigative measures are being conducted by the SBU, which has not provided additional details. Russia has a history of recruiting Ukrainians for intelligence gathering, aiding in attacks, and even facilitating assassinations. In August, Ukraine's National Police and SBU prevented a separate FSB plot to assassinate the head of a defense company in Kyiv. Recruitment methods reportedly include financial incentives, coercion, and blackmail, targeting vulnerable groups such as those online seeking easy money or those in occupied territories or with POW family members facing threats.",
  "summary": "The FSB aimed to attack a Russian opposition figure that had come to Kyiv for Ukraine's independence day",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Kyiv Post",
        "title": "Ukraine Foils Alleged FSB Terror Plot Against Russian Opposition Leader",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/ukraine-foils-alleged-fsb-terror-plot-against-russian-opposition",
        "published": "2026-09-02T06:56:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}