Former SBU General Who Deserted to Russia Killed in Battle in Ukraine

Vladimir Lyapkin, a former high-ranking official of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) who defected to Russia, has been reported killed while fighting on Moscow's side. The news was confirmed by the Russian publication Mediazona on Sunday, April 5.

According to information, Lyapkin was killed on March 17 while serving in a Russian volunteer unit. This news has sparked widespread resonance, as Lyapkin held an important position within the Ukrainian security system.

Vladimir Lyapkin previously headed the operational documentation department of the SBU and was awarded the rank of major general in 2013. Following the Euromaidan protests in 2014, he was dismissed along with other senior officials and subsequently fled to Russia, reportedly settling in occupied Crimea.

After the full-scale invasion of Russia, Lyapkin took a position in the 'security service' established by Russia in occupied Kherson, according to information from Ukrainian authorities. In 2025, the SBU charged him in absentia with collaboration, accusing him of involvement in the so-called 'filtering measures' and repression against civilians in occupied territories.

Mediazona reported that it independently confirmed Lyapkin's death following initial reports from pro-Kremlin figure Oleg Tsaryov. According to reports, Lyapkin was serving in the Russian volunteer unit 'BARS-33' at the time of his death.

He reportedly died alongside Eduard Malov, a former employee of Russian emergency services. Mediazona noted that there are no public records confirming that Lyapkin officially received the rank of general in the Russian army, despite claims from pro-Kremlin figures.

The circumstances of his death have not been disclosed, raising additional questions about his final days on the front lines.

Julia Zavadskaya is a news author at Kyiv Post. She has experience in covering breaking news, fact-checking, and digital journalism, focusing on fast, accurate reporting and clear storytelling. Prior to joining Kyiv Post, she worked as a news stream editor at several leading Ukrainian media outlets.