Zelenskyy confirms Kyiv shootout between SBU and military intelligence

September 3, 2026 at 02:41 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a shootout between SBU and HUR units in Kyiv on September 2, calling it “absolutely disgraceful.” He ordered the prosecutor general and State Bureau of Investigation to examine all details and promised accountability and personnel decisions. The incident followed the reported abduction of HUR commander Stepan Kaplunov, who was later released.

Key Facts

Zelenskyy called the shootout “absolutely disgraceful” and said the only people anyone should shoot at are Russian occupiers.
The SBU said its operatives came under armed attack during searches related to an alleged FSB terrorist plot against a Russian opposition figure.
HUR special forces commander “Tymur” said SBU agents detained HUR personnel and opened fire without warning on unarmed HUR members.
Zelenskyy signed a decree dismissing Oleh Khramov, head of the SBU’s state secrets protection and licensing department.
HUR commander Stepan Kaplunov, reported missing on September 1, was released by the afternoon of September 2, according to his lawyer.

The Shootout

Gunfire woke residents in Kyiv’s Bereznyaky district early on September 2, with witnesses reporting wounded people and blood at the scene. The SBU said its operatives were attacked during searches linked to an alleged FSB plot against a Russian opposition leader. The SBU later stated that those detained belonged to a unit of the Ukrainian army. HUR commander “Tymur” said SBU agents began detaining HUR personnel and opened fire without warning on unarmed HUR members.

Kaplunov Abduction and Release

HUR commander Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander for combat work of the Russian Volunteer Corps, was reported missing on September 1. The Russian Volunteer Corps said Kaplunov was abducted by unknown persons in the yard of his own home. HUR special forces commander “Tymur” said SBU employees kidnapped Kaplunov in broad daylight and detained him without official charges. Kaplunov’s lawyer Taras Borovsky said his client was already free by the afternoon of September 2.

Official Response

Zelenskyy said he had spoken with Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko and that the prosecutor general and State Bureau of Investigation would examine all details step by step. He promised to hold those responsible accountable, including personnel decisions and internal investigations in both services. A decree dismissing Oleh Khramov, head of the SBU’s state secrets protection and licensing department, appeared on the presidential website shortly after.