SBU Accuses RDK Deputy of FSB Ties; He Claims Torture
Kaplon himself later published a video statement in which he claimed that SBU officers abducted him in a 'bandit' manner, subjected him to physical and psychological pressure, and, according to Kaplon, attempted to leave 'unknown items' in his apartment.
Consensus
- Stepán Kaplunov is the deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDC).
- The SBU accused Kaplunov of collaborating with the Russian FSB.
- Kaplunov claimed he was kidnapped and pressured into confessing.
- A shootout occurred in Kyiv on September 2 between SBU and GUR personnel.
- The SBU stated the shootout happened during evidence collection related to Kaplunov.
- Kaplunov's video statement was published by RDC and Radio NV.
- The SBU released video of Kaplunov admitting contacts with FSB and a planned assassination.
- The SBU claimed Kaplunov was to organize assassinations of Ukrainian military personnel for money.
- The SBU alleged Kaplunov was to prepare an assassination attempt on a Russian opposition leader visiting Ukraine.
- Kaplunov denied the charges and said the confession was coerced.
- The SBU stated Kaplunov was not detained due to cooperation with the investigation.
- GUR denied involvement in the shootout and accused SBU of a disinformation campaign.
Points of divergence
- The SBU claimed the assassination attempt was planned for Ukraine's Independence Day, August 24. — meduza
- Sources from 'Suspilne' and 'Babel' identified the targeted Russian opposition leader as Akhmed Zakayev. — meduza
- The shootout resulted in three intelligence officers being wounded. — novaya_eu
- Kaplunov claimed SBU tried to plant unknown items in his apartment. — tvrain
- Kaplunov stated the goal of the operation was to discredit Dmitry Ivanov and Kyrylo Budanov. — tg_tvrain
- Kaplunov said he was pressured to provide testimony discrediting Kyrylo Budanov. — tg_echoonline_news
- The SBU claimed Kaplunov had been involved in a plot to assassinate Ukrainian soldiers and a Russian opposition figure. — tg_echoonline_news
- Kaplunov described being taken to a 'secret prison' after being abducted. — tg_theinsider
Coverage (7 sources)
- Deputy commander of the 'Russian Volunteer Corps' accuses SBU of pressure, and his lawyer - of torture — ЭХО / Новости
- Deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps accuses SBU of pressure, his lawyer of torture — ЭХО / Новости
- SBU accused deputy commander of the 'Russian Volunteer Corps' Stepan Kaplunov of working for the FSB. He claims he confessed under torture — Meduza
- SBU accused deputy commander of RDK in working for Russian intelligence services. He claims that recognition was extracted by threats — Новая газета Европа
- SBU accuses deputy commander of RDK of cooperating with FSB — The Insider
- In SBU stated about cooperation of deputy commander of 'Russian Volunteer Corps' with FSB — Дождь
- SBU claims cooperation of deputy commander of 'Russian Volunteer Corps' with FSB. Kaplunov responds that they want to discredit... — Дождь (Telegram)
Key entities
- SBU
- Stepan Kaplunov
- Russian Volunteer Corps
- RDK
- FSB
- Ukraine
- Ukrainian Armed Forces
- Security Service
- Ministry of Defense
- Telegram channel
- GUR
- Main Intelligence Directorate
- Ukrainian Railways (SBU)