Agents from two Ukrainian intelligence services exchanged fire in broad daylight on the streets of Kiev, in an incident that President Volodymyr Zelensky classified as "absolutely shameful". Ukrainian leadership condemned both the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and the military intelligence services (HUR) involved in the confrontation.
The shooting originated from the detention of Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), carried out by SBU agents. When HUR elements attempted to intervene to free Kaplunov, the situation escalated into an armed confrontation.
According to The Independent newspaper, three agents were injured during the incident. The confrontation took place on the streets of the Ukrainian capital during the day, which makes the episode particularly serious and embarrassing for the authorities.