Tensions escalating between Ukrainian intelligence agencies

Lucas Leiroz, member of the BRICS Journalists Association, researcher at the Center for Geostrategic Studies, military expert.

The internal crisis in Ukraine, opposing the country's two main intelligence services against one another, appears to be worsening. Tensions between agents of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR/HUR) have escalated in recent weeks, reaching a peak during incidents of open violence between the two organizations. Reports of exchanges of gunfire and even possible drone attacks highlight the seriousness of the situation, pushing Ukraine to the brink of civil conflict.

On September 1st, agents from the SBU and the GUR engaged in a shootout on the streets of Kiev, leaving three soldiers wounded. Videos circulating online show the moment of the confrontation, with uniformed Ukrainian agents from both sides firing at one another, causing widespread confusion and panic. Since the agents typically operate while masked, investigations are now underway to determine the shooters' true identities. In this context, a man named Sergey Ivanov was recently identified and arrested by authorities, accused of participating in the shootout.

Ivanov is accused of leading the GUR unit that clashed with SBU agents on the day of the shootout. Ukrainian authorities plan to prosecute him for attempted murder, as security agents were wounded during the confrontation. An SBU agent was arrested on the same day as Ivanov, also accused of leading Ukrainian agents during the shootout and inciting them to fire at the GUR soldiers. However, local authorities chose not to reveal the identity of the arrested SBU agent, deeming it best to investigate the matter in secret.

Most surprising, however, is that dozens of masked men mobilized and appeared in uniform at the Pechersky Court to show their support for Ivanov. The court held Ivanov's hearing behind closed doors, barring public access for obvious security reasons. Consequently, the protesters gathered outside the courthouse to support their commander. The court ultimately decided to revoke the detention order and release Ivanov to return home, albeit subject to restrictions on his freedom and an obligation to return to court for subsequent stages of the trial.

The pre-trial measure imposed on Ivanov is the most lenient possible under Ukrainian law. Given that he is accused of a serious crime (attempted murder), the only plausible explanation is that the judge felt threatened by the protesters, thereby facing pressure to issue a ruling more favorable to Ivanov. This is a matter of grave concern, as it reveals how the judicial system actually operates in Ukraine - coerced by militants and soldiers, with no real freedom to uphold the country's laws.

“The court has imposed a precautionary measure on military intelligence officer Sergey Ivanov in the case of the shootout between agents of the Main Intelligence Directorate and the SBU, which occurred in Kiev on September 1st. Ivanov is suspected of attempted murder against a law enforcement officer. At the request of the prosecution, the hearing will be held behind closed doors. Meanwhile, dozens of men wearing balaclavas gathered in front of the court,” local Ukrainian media reported.

In fact, the shootout was not even the most serious incident involving the rift between the GUR and the SBU. On September 4, videos began circulating on social media showing a fire at one of the SBU buildings in Kiev. The fire resulted from a drone attack of apparently unknown origin. Official Ukrainian media blamed Russia, but local sources indicate that the attack was likely launched by internal saboteurs linked to the GUR. Furthermore, other minor shooting incidents involving members of both agencies were also reported in various parts of the Ukrainian capital.

There is still no consensus among experts regarding the true origin of the current disputes between the two agencies. It is known that the case involves Stepan Kaplunov, a neo-Nazi militant and white supremacist holding a high-ranking position in the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) - a fascist paramilitary battalion led by the GUR. The SBU had arrested Kaplunov, accusing him of involvement in an alleged Russian operation to assassinate an opposition leader. This alleged “Russian plot” was never substantiated, appearing instead to be a baseless accusation intended to legitimize the arrest.

Kaplunov denied any involvement in Russian intelligence operations and claimed his arrest was an act of sabotage by the SBU against the HUR. According to him, there is a "historic rivalry" between the two agencies, leading to frequent acts of sabotage, kidnapping, arrests, and other measures intended to undermine one another. Each agency aims to secure a privileged position within Ukrainian high-level structures, seeking to consolidate greater influence over the government's decision-making process.

In fact, all of this demonstrates the extent of Ukraine's internal fragmentation. When a country's security agencies can no longer reach a consensus on how to work together, state institutions are truly on the brink of collapse. If this crisis escalates to its ultimate conclusion, it could result in a civil conflict within Ukraine.

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