Gunfight between Ukraine's top intelligence agencies erupts in Kyiv, wounding three officers
A clash between the Security Service of Ukraine and the military intelligence service in a Kyiv neighbourhood left three HUR officers injured, exposing a deepening rivalry.
In a residential area of Kyiv, members of the Security Service of Ukraine and the country's military intelligence service engaged in a shootout that injured three HUR officers. The violence followed an effort by HUR personnel to free Stepan Kaplunov, a deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, who had been detained by the SBU. As both agencies surrounded the building, gunfire erupted late at night and again the next morning.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called the episode "absolutely shameful" and mandated an investigation. Sources indicate the incident could lead to the removal of HUR head Oleh Ivashchenko, whose authority has been questioned due to lingering influence from former chief Kyrylo Budanov. The episode highlights ongoing friction between the SBU, led by acting chief Oleksandr Poklad, and HUR, raising concerns about coordination within Ukraine's security apparatus.
Why it matters
The shootout reveals dangerous infighting among Ukraine's key security agencies amid an ongoing war.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian rail hub and vessels as drones hit Russian ports
- Aug 27 Ukrainian forces launched close to 800 drones toward Moscow in a coordinated operation.
- Aug 30 Russia announced preparation for large‑scale assaults on Ukraine’s energy facilities.
- Aug 30 Merz told ARD that the investigation into the August 4 incident at Leipzig/Halle airport is nearing completion and that a consensus exists within the German government on how to act. He indicated that the forthcoming measures will be coordinated with the European Union and NATO, ensuring allies are not surprised. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the event as a possible hybrid attack, hinting at foreign involvement, while reports suggest Russia may be blamed.
- Aug 30 Death toll rises to 38 in the Myla ammunition depot strike.
- Sep 1 Sixth consecutive day of Russian missile and drone attacks kills at least 12 in the Kyiv region.
- Sep 1 Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said the Moscow visit achieved its declared purpose of reducing regional tensions.
- Sep 1 Germany formally attributes the Leipzig airport drone incident to Russia.
- Sep 1 President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told airlines and insurers that Ukrainian drone activity has made Russian airspace hazardous, effectively closing it.
- Sep 2 Germany scheduled the Russian consulate in Bonn to close on Sept 18.
- Sep 2 Three explosive‑laden drones were found near Leipzig/Halle Airport, one near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
- Sep 2 Flight‑tracking data show cancellations and delays at Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo airports.
- Sep 2 EU announced additional sanctions targeting another 1,600 entities and discussed stricter visa rules for Russian tourists.
- Sep 2 The International Civil Aviation Organization issued a safety appeal to its members regarding passenger flights over Russia.
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