Ukraine’s SBU Accuses Russian Volunteer Corps Commander of Plotting to Kill Opposition Figure

Sep. 3, 2026 Stepan Kaplunov. Video grab Ukraine’s SBU security service alleged Thursday that a commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, a unit of far-right Russians fighting alongside Ukrainian forces, was recruited by Moscow to assassinate a Russian opposition figure. In a statement, the SBU, without identifying the commander by name, claimed that the “individual” was in contact with Russia’s FSB security service and tasked with “preparing the assassination” of an opposition figure who was expected to arrive in Ukraine on Aug. 24, when the country celebrates its national day of independence. The Ukrainian agency said the accused commander gave a confession and provided information that helped it identify other people said to have been involved in the assassination plot. It did not identify the targeted Russian opposition figure. While the SBU did not explicitly name the Russian Volunteer Corps commander, a confession video attached to its statement appears to show Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of combat operations for the unit. Kaplunov, who Ukrainian media previously reported was the target of the assassination plot, told Ukraine’s Radio NV that SBU officers “kidnapped” him and forced him to deliver a false confession under duress. Denying any links to the FSB, Kaplunov accused the SBU of attempting to fabricate charges against senior officials within Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence agency. In its own statement, the HUR, which directly oversees the Russian Volunteer Corps, warned that a “targeted disinformation campaign” was being carried out against it. It did not specify who was carrying out that alleged campaign. The apparent infighting follows a shootout between SBU and HUR officers in Kyiv earlier this week. Ukrainian law enforcement authorities launched a criminal investigation into the armed clash, while President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded a public explanation for the “absolutely disgraceful situation” from both security agencies. Read more about: Ukraine , FSB Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more FSB Arrests Alleged Ukrainian Agents Over Plotting Moscow Attack and Espionage One of the people was accused of spying on trains carrying petroleum products at a Moscow railway station and surveilling government buildings in the Russian... 1 Min read FSB Raids Moscow City Crypto Exchanges Accused of Laundering Stolen Cash The FSB claimed Ukraine-based scam call centers used gray-market exchange offices in Moscow City to convert stolen cash into cryptocurrency and funnel... 1 Min read FSB Arrests Kaluga Man Accused of Plotting Attack on Military Enlistment Office Russian law enforcement officials claimed the man was acting on orders from Ukrainian military intelligence. 1 Min read Russian Security Chiefs Blame Concert Attack on Ukraine, West FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov claimed that Ukrainian and Western special services "facilitated" Friday's deadly shooting. 2 Min read