SBU and GUR clash in Kyiv shootout
A shootout occurred in Kyiv between officers of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and the Main Directorate of Military Intelligence (GUR) on September 2, resulting in one death and two injuries. The incident, linked to a dispute over the detention of a Russian volunteer corps deputy commander, triggered political tensions and calls for investigations from Ukrainian leadership.
Consensus
- A shootout occurred between SBU and GUR officers in Kyiv on September 2.
- One GUR officer was killed, and two others were injured.
- The incident took place in the Dnepropetrovsk district of Kyiv.
- Both SBU and GUR claimed they were conducting operations related to preventing a terrorist attack.
- The Ukrainian president, Vladimir Zelensky, condemned the incident as 'absolutely shameful' and demanded internal investigations.
- Zelensky called for accountability, including personnel decisions against leaders of the involved agencies.
- The SBU claimed they were investigating a planned assassination of a Russian opposition figure.
- The SBU detained Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, whom they accused of working for the FSB.
- The GUR allegedly attempted to rescue Kaplunov during the operation.
- The State Bureau of Investigations and the Office of the Prosecutor General are investigating the incident.
- Zelensky signed an order dismissing the head of the SBU's Department of State Secret Protection and Licensing, Oleg Khramov.
Points of divergence
- The conflict between SBU and GUR has been ongoing since 2022, following the killing of intelligence officer Denis Kireyev, allegedly orchestrated by current acting SBU head Alexander Poklad. — vesti
- The conflict stems from long-standing rivalry between Kirill Budanov and acting SBU head Alexander Poklad, with Budanov allegedly obstructing Poklad's appointment as permanent SBU chief. — vm
- The operation was aimed at preventing a terrorist attack by the FSB against a leader of a Russian opposition national movement. — meduza
- The SBU claimed the operation was to prevent an assassination of a Russian opposition leader, and that the GUR attacked during the search. — riamo
- The SBU described the event as a joint operation with GUR, while GUR allegedly tried to rescue Stepan Kaplunov. — vedomosti
- Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik suggested that Zelensky must 'break' Budanov to resolve the conflict, implying political maneuvering. — vesti
- The incident may lead to Budanov's resignation, as it weakens his position. — vm
Coverage (15 sources)
- SBU vs GUR. What is known about the confrontation between Ukrainian intelligence services that led to a shootout in Kyiv — BBC News Русская служба
- Miroshnik suggested how the confrontation between SBU and GUR may be resolved — Вести
- A shootout occurred in Kyiv between GUR and SBU staff. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the incident "shameful... — Настоящее Время
- A shootout occurred in Kyiv between GUR and SBU staff. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the incident "shameful... — Настоящее Время
- Shooting between SBU and GUR called a consequence of Zelensky's intrigues — Вести
- Shooting in Kyiv called an element of war by special services — Вести
- Media: Clash between SBU and GUR in Kyiv may lead to Budanov's resignation* — Вечерняя Москва
- Shooting between SBU and GUR may cost Budanov his post — Вести
- In a few minutes watch the True Time program "Main" live: — Настоящее Время
- Military correspondent Kots called SBU and GUR "not to hold back" in the question of civil strife — Вести
- «One can only shoot here at the occupiers». Zelensky called the exchange of fire between intelligence services in Kyiv «absolutely shameful» — Meduza
- Zelenskyy called the shooting between SBU and GUR staff in Kyiv 'absolutely shameful' — Вечерняя Москва
- Zelenskyy called a shootout between SBU and GUR in Kyiv "shameful" — Вести
- Zelenskyy «raced» on law enforcement after a shootout in Kyiv — РИАМО
- Head of Zelenskyy's office called for investigation of shooting between SBU and GUR in Kyiv — Ведомости
Key entities
- SBU
- GUR
- Kyiv
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Ukraine
- Kirill Budanov
- Moscow
- Russia
- Main Intelligence Directorate
- Ministry of Defense
- MID
- Media
- Rodyon Miroshnik
- Security Service
More on Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Ukraine Orders Ceasefire Amid U.S. Diplomatic Push
- Ukraine Orders Ceasefire on Front Line Sept 5–8
- NABU, SAP Conduct Searches at Zelensky's Office and Prosecutor…
More on Kirill Budanov
- Budanov Reveals Contacts with Prigozhin Before Wagner Mutiny
- Ukraine Faces Massive Losses, Reports Say
- Ukraine Announces Upcoming Technical Talks with Russia