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Ukraine thwarts FSB plot against Russian opposition figure Stepan Kaplunov, source says

Created at 2 Sep · 7:50 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and military intelligence (HUR) have prevented a terrorist attack planned by Russia's FSB against Stepan Kaplunov, a leader of the Russian opposition and deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps. Kaplunov was reported missing by the RVC on Sept. 1.

Who's Involved

Stepan Kaplunov
Deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps and Russian opposition figure
SBU
Ukraine's Security Service, involved in thwarting the plot
HUR
Ukraine's military intelligence, involved in thwarting the plot
FSB
Russia's security service, allegedly planning the attack
RVC
Russian Volunteer Corps, reported Kaplunov missing
Ukraine thwarts FSB plot against Russian opposition figure Stepan Kaplunov, source says

↳ Why This Matters

The incident highlights ongoing covert operations and targeted attacks between Russia and Ukraine, underscoring the risks faced by Russian opposition figures and military defectors operating within Ukraine.

Key facts

  • Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and military intelligence (HUR) thwarted a terrorist plot by Russia's FSB.
  • The target was Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) and a Russian opposition figure.
  • The RVC had reported Kaplunov missing on Sept. 1.
  • Kaplunov was in Ukraine for Independence Day celebrations on Aug. 24.
  • Ukraine's National Police and SBU previously prevented an FSB plot to assassinate a defense company head on Aug. 26.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and military intelligence (HUR) have prevented a terrorist attack that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) was preparing against Stepan Kaplunov, a prominent Russian opposition figure and deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), which fights alongside Ukraine.

The RVC had reported on Telegram on Sept. 1 that Kaplunov had been "abducted by unknown individuals in the courtyard of his home." A source within Ukraine's Defense Forces confirmed Kaplunov's identity to the Kyiv Independent on Sept. 2, corroborating the SBU's statement that the plot had been foiled.

Kaplunov had been in Ukraine to attend Independence Day celebrations on Aug. 24. His current whereabouts and condition are not publicly known, and operational and investigative measures are ongoing, according to the SBU.

This incident follows a similar thwarted FSB plot on Aug. 26, where Ukraine's National Police and SBU prevented an assassination attempt against the head of a Kyiv-based defense company. Russia has been known to recruit Ukrainians for intelligence gathering, coordinating attacks, and assassination attempts, often using financial incentives, coercion, or blackmail.

Frequently asked questions

Stepan Kaplunov is the deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), a group of Russian citizens fighting alongside Ukraine, and is considered a leader of the Russian opposition.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and military intelligence (HUR) stated they prevented a terrorist attack planned by Russia's FSB against Kaplunov.

The RVC reported Kaplunov missing on Sept. 1, stating he was abducted. His current whereabouts and condition are unknown.

Yes, on Aug. 26, Ukraine's National Police and SBU prevented an FSB plot to assassinate the head of a defense company in Kyiv.

What Happens Next

01Further details on Kaplunov's condition and whereabouts are expected.
02Operational and investigative measures by the SBU are ongoing.

How It Developed

Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, was reported missing by the RVC on Sept. 1.
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and military intelligence (HUR) announced they prevented an FSB plot against a Russian opposition leader.
A source in Ukraine's Defense Forces confirmed the target was Stepan Kaplunov.
Kaplunov's current whereabouts and condition are unknown.

Sources

T1
Ukraine thwarts FSB plot against Russian opposition figure Stepan Kaplunov, source saysThe Kyiv Independent

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