GUR and SBU shootout in Kyiv: Zelensky calls situation “disgraceful”

A video of a shootout between employees of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), which took place in Kyiv, has appeared online.

The footage was published on Telegram channels.

In the recording, captured by a security camera mounted at the entrance of a residential building, a conflict between security service officers and military personnel can be seen escalating into a shootout. Shouting, gunfire, and profanity are audible in the video.

The SBU stated that its officers were conducting a search as part of an investigation into an assassination attempt against one of the leaders of the Russian opposition, allegedly organized by Russia’s FSB. According to the SBU’s account, during the search a group of people opened fire on the agency’s officers and blocked their vehicles. The Alpha special forces unit was called in to suppress the resistance, and its officers also used their weapons.

Earlier, a number of Telegram channels reported that the shootout occurred after the SBU detained Stepan Kaplunov, one of the commanders of the Russian Volunteer Corps, who is part of the GUR’s structure.

Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov effectively sided with the GUR, criticizing those who “abduct military personnel” — a reference, presumably, to RVC deputy commander Kaplunov.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promised personnel decisions following the incident, calling what happened “disgraceful.” He said that all testimony and statements from those involved in the matter would be thoroughly verified.