SBU and GUAR clash over detained RDK commander
A violent clash occurred in Kyiv between Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and military intelligence (GUAR) personnel over the detention of Stepan Kaplunov, a deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), who was allegedly detained on suspicion of collaborating with Russia's FSB. The incident followed a 10-day detention and led to injuries among GUAR operatives.
Consensus
- Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDC), was detained by the SBU in Kyiv.
- Kaplunov was reportedly abducted on August 23 and held for about 10 days.
- A shootout occurred between SBU and GUAR personnel in Kyiv during a search operation at Kaplunov's residence.
- Three GUAR operatives were injured in the incident.
- Kaplunov was later released.
- The SBU claimed the operation was to prevent an FSB-planned terrorist attack.
- The GUAR initially claimed a joint operation with the SBU but later removed the statement.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky called the incident a 'shameful situation' and ordered an investigation.
- High-ranking SBU official Oleg Khramov was dismissed following the incident.
- Both sides communicated in Russian during the confrontation.
Points of divergence
- One GUAR member was killed during the shootout. — tg_rybar
- The conflict was primarily driven by competition over financial control of call centers, with both agencies acting as economic actors. — tg_rybar
- Kaplunov served in the Russian military, including in Syria, and moved to Ukraine after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. — tg_agentstvonews
- The conflict between SBU and GUAR began in 2023. — tg_rybar
- The FSB opened a criminal case against Kaplunov in 2017. — tg_agentstvonews
Coverage (3 sources)
- In Kyiv, Captcom of RDK* Kaplunov** Accused of Working for FSB — РИАМО
- How SBU and GUR couldn't share — Рыбарь
- Who is Stepan Kaplunov, who ended up at the center of the story of a shootout between Ukrainian intelligence services in Kyiv — Агентство. Новости
Key entities
- Stepan Kaplunov
- Kyiv
- GUR
- SBU
- FSB
- Ukraine
- RDK
- Security Service
- Russian Volunteer Corps
- Telegram channel
- Agency
- Main Intelligence Directorate
- Caution, News
- RDK Kaplunova