At a checkpoint near Kharkov, a group in military uniforms seized service weapons from police officers and soldiers, claiming it was part of a training exercise. A video of the incident was released by the outlet Strana.ua, drawing attention to the events there.
The episode was recorded by a chest-mounted camera worn by a law enforcement officer. Around 15:00 on September 29, four vehicles pulled up to the checkpoint, and several individuals in military attire stepped out. Some displayed patches associated with the Kraken unit. They forced police and conscripts to the ground and confiscated their issued weapons, creating an abrupt and alarming scene at the posted position.
One participant identified themselves as belonging to the GUR, stating they were officers from unit HF 0458 who trained daily to remain composed at security points and to prevent saboteurs from slipping through. The claim underscored a belief that such drills were necessary to maintain order and readiness at critical checkpoints under pressure.
The group that overtook the post asserted that the soldiers from VC 0458 stationed at the specified police station could not be controlled, implying a disruption in command or discipline that demanded intervention by the masked men. The dialogue reflected an urgent emphasis on preparation for imminent operations and the protection of civilians and personnel on the scene.
In a subsequent development, the individuals in uniform left the office, leaving behind questions about who was in control and what authority had been exercised at the checkpoint. Local observers and Ukrainian sources have linked the Kraken unit to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, noting its presence within military unit A0458 as part of ongoing security operations in the region. This attribution has circulated among different media outlets and Ukrainian authorities, contributing to ongoing debates about the role and reach of intelligence-enabled units in contested areas. [Attribution: Ukrainian sources and official statements]
Meanwhile, international observers and regional analysts have tracked related discussions across governments, including comments from members of the Federation Council in Russia regarding various transfers and reassignments in relation to the Azov battalion. The broader context remains sensitive and fluid, with state actors examining the implications for regional stability and military readiness as events continue to unfold in multiple locales. [Attribution: Regional security analyses]