President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticizes internal security agencies following a shootout in Kyiv
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described a shootout between Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and the military intelligence agency (HUR) as "absolutely shameful." The clash occurred on Sept. 2, 2026, in a residential area of Kyiv, resulting in three officers being injured. The administration announced that the incident exposed internal dysfunctions and lawless methods within the security services. Zelenskyy stated that shooting is only permissible against Russian occupiers in defense of the country. In response to the clash, the administration fired a senior SBU officer and called in prosecutors and investigators. The conflict stemmed from the SBU taking into custody Stepan Kaplunov, a leader of an anti-Kremlin Russian unit. While the SBU claimed Kaplunov was preparing for an assassination attempt against a Russian opposition leader, Kaplunov alleged that SBU officers abducted him illegally like "bandits" and subjected him to psychological pressure. Observers noted that the rivalry between the SBU and HUR has persisted for years, with some viewing the incident as an attempt to discredit the current head of the HUR or the acting head of the SBU.
Sources
-
Explainer: What's behind the standoff between Ukraine's two intelligence agencies?
The Kyiv Independent
-
Ukraine war briefing: ‘Shameful’ – Zelenskyy furious after shootout between Kyiv’s spy services
The Guardian