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Ukraine intelligence agencies clash in Kyiv shootout, three wounded

A shootout between Ukraine's top intelligence agencies left three officers wounded in Kyiv, prompting President Zelenskyy to order an investigation and personnel accountability.

By Ben Carter •September 3, 2026 •2 min read

Ukraine intelligence agencies clash in Kyiv shootout, three wounded

A gunfight broke out Wednesday morning in Kyiv between Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence and the State Security Service, wounding three officers. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the event as disgraceful and called for accountability.

What happened during the incident

According to reports from Ukrainian authorities, the confrontation occurred in the Dniprovskyi district after the SBU detained Stepan Kaplunov, a deputy commander in a volunteer unit linked to military intelligence. The SBU stated it was acting to prevent a potential act of terrorism. During the operation, armed individuals attacked the SBU team, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Three officers were injured. One sustained a leg wound and required hospital treatment; another remains in serious condition. The third suffered minor injuries. The Prosecutor General’s Office said the attackers belonged to a unit of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

Who is Stepan Kaplunov

Kaplunov, a Russian citizen who moved to Ukraine after 2014, served in the armed forces and later joined the Russian Volunteer Corps. He has been listed by Russian authorities as a terrorist and extremist for his support of Ukraine. He told media he was abducted and questioned over suspected contacts with Russian security services.

Official responses

Zelenskyy said he directed the Prosecutor General to investigate alongside the State Bureau of Investigation. He stressed that firearms may only be used against Russian forces and ordered internal reviews within both agencies. The head of the SBU’s Department for the Protection of State Secrets was dismissed.

Presidential adviser Kyrylo Budanov called for a thorough and impartial probe, stating that no one has the right to kidnap servicemen or open fire in Ukrainian cities.

Broader security context

The clash comes amid recent personnel changes in Ukraine’s security leadership. Earlier this year, Zelenskyy reassigned the SBU chief and appointed new heads to military intelligence and his own office. Analysts have described the moves as an effort to strengthen coordination across security institutions.

By Ben Carter

Ben Carter, a World Affairs Analyst, examines global Economy and Crime, meticulously charting how illicit activities influence financial markets and how economic policies can either exacerbate or mitigate criminal enterprises. His reporting covers the spectrum from concise analyses of daily economic fluctuations to comprehensive investigations into transnational crime networks, alongside explanatory pieces that demystify complex financial regulations and their impact on global security. His process often begins with identifying unusual financial data points or emerging patterns in criminal activity, which he then traces through official reports, interviews with experts in finance and law enforcement, and careful analysis of public and private sector data. He is particularly adept at connecting seemingly disparate events, such as a shift in commodity prices and a rise in specific types of organized crime. What readers gain from Ben's work is a sharpened awareness of the interconnectedness of global finance and security, understanding that economic stability is often undermined by criminal elements, and that effective crime prevention requires a deep understanding of economic incentives and disincentives. His reporting provides clarity on the hidden forces shaping world affairs, offering a critical lens through which to view international developments, helping audiences comprehend the profound consequences of both economic policies and criminal actions on a global scale.