Ukraine's spy agencies open fire on each other in Kyiv: Here's what happened

Two Ukrainian intelligence agencies opened fire on each other over a dispute regarding the detention of the deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) Stepan Kalpunov. Three personnel were injured in the incident that happened on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

The military intelligence agency named HUR and the State Security Service SBU had a confrontation because SBU detained Kalpunov, accusing him of helping Russia in an assasination plot, whereas, HUR states that he has been detained illegally without a warrant.

RVC force is composed of Russian citizens, based in Ukraine and united by their opposition to Putin, they are currently fighting for Kyiv and operate under direct command of HUR.

Kulpanov was later released from SBU custody.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the shootout as “disgraceful,” adding that Ukraine permits shooting only at Russian occupiers in defence of the country.

He said, “Our state will not perceive any other shootout as something that anyone is allowed to do. reiterated that state weapons may strictly be used only against invading Russian forces.”

Zelenskyy dismissed a senior SBU official Oleh Khramov because of his direct involvement in the incident.

This is not the first time that both agencies have confronted each other. Previously in March 2022, SBU personnel shot dead an HUR asset who was working in the Ukrain’e peace delegation.