Zelensky Calls Shootout Between Security Services in Kyiv "An Utter Disgrace"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as "an utter disgrace" a shootout between officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) that took place in Kyiv on Wednesday. He said he had already discussed the incident with Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.

"Regarding today's absolutely disgraceful situation between SBU and GUR units in Kyiv, I spoke with the Prosecutor General. The Prosecutor General's Office and the State Bureau of Investigation will get to the bottom of it. Statements from those involved will be checked, and the full picture of what happened will be pieced together step by step. There must be accountability, including personnel decisions regarding the heads of the security agencies, and both agencies must conduct internal investigations," Zelensky said.

The Kidnapping Theory

Following the first reports of the shootout between security service officers on a Kyiv street, speculation soon emerged that the incident was linked to the disappearance on Tuesday of Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, which operates under the GUR.

This theory appears to have been indirectly confirmed by presidential office chief and former GUR commander Kyrylo Budanov, who said after the incident that "no one can abduct servicemen with impunity."

Three Counterintelligence Officers Wounded

The Wednesday shootout left three Ukrainian counterintelligence officers wounded. SBU leadership subsequently stated that responsibility for the clash lies with counterintelligence personnel, who attacked staff conducting an on-site check related to a planned terrorist attack.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz