Shootout between Ukraine's SBU and GUR in Kyiv exposes security agency rivalry

A shootout between Ukraine's SBU security service and GUR military intelligence in Kyiv on September 2 has escalated into a major scandal, leaving three intelligence officers wounded and both sides facing mutual criminal charges from the Prosecutor General's Office. The incident began when SBU officers attempted to search the apartment of Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) fighter Stepan Kaplunov, who was detained on August 23 on suspicion of collaborating with Russia's FSB. The operation turned violent when RDK members refused entry, prompting reinforcements from both agencies to arrive and exchange gunfire. Three GUR operatives sustained bullet wounds, with one in serious condition. The SBU claims it was preventing an FSB-ordered assassination plot, while Kaplunov denies the allegations, saying his confession was coerced and that the operation aimed to discredit GUR leadership, including former chief Kirill Budanov. President Volodymyr Zelensky called the situation "absolutely disgraceful" and announced personnel changes, while analysts view the clash as part of a long-running rivalry between the SBU and military intelligence that has now exposed a lack of control over both agencies.