Ukraine's SBU security service claims a Russian Volunteer Corps commander was recruited by the FSB to kill a Russian opposition figure.

Ukraine’s SBU security service alleged on Thursday that a commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps was recruited by Russia’s FSB to assassinate a Russian opposition figure. The SBU stated the plot involved an expected arrival in Ukraine on August 24, the country's independence day. While the agency did not name the commander, a video released with the statement appears to show Stepan Kaplunov, the unit's deputy commander of combat operations.

Confession and Allegations

The SBU claims the commander confessed and provided information identifying other individuals involved in the plot. The agency did not identify the intended target of the assassination. In response, Kaplunov told Radio NV that he was kidnapped by SBU officers and forced to provide a false confession under duress. He denied any links to the FSB and accused the SBU of attempting to fabricate charges against senior officials within Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence agency.

Security Agency Tensions

The HUR, which oversees the Russian Volunteer Corps, stated that a targeted disinformation campaign is being directed against it. This development follows an armed clash between SBU and HUR officers in Kyiv earlier this week. Ukrainian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the incident, and President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded a public explanation from both security agencies regarding the situation.