Ukraine Village Council Member Detained After Grenade Attack

In a shocking incident that took place in the village of Keretsky in Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine, a village council member has been arrested after a grenade attack that resulted in one person’s death and left 23 others wounded. The Prosecutor-General of Ukraine has announced that the suspect, Serhii Batryn, a member of President Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, will be held in custody without bail for two months.

The incident occurred on Friday during a heated debate in a government building. Video footage released by Ukrainian police shows Batryn entering the meeting and attempting to speak before dropping at least two grenades on the floor, causing them to explode.

Tragically, one person has been confirmed dead, and six others have suffered severe injuries as a result of the blast. The identity of the deceased is yet to be disclosed. Overall, 26 individuals were injured in the attack.

Local broadcaster Zakarpattia24 has reported that the incident followed a video released by Batryn, in which he voiced his grievances against other local officials and disputed a significant salary increase for the head of the village council. The controversy surrounding this issue is believed to have played a role in fueling the attack, as Batryn had engaged in arguments with other council members before leaving the room and returning with the grenades.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has labeled the incident as an act of terrorism and has initiated an investigation. Additionally, local police are examining the matter under laws pertaining to the illegal handling of weapons and explosives.

Authorities are currently baffled as to how Batryn managed to acquire the grenades. Despite Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, Zakarpattia Oblast is situated far from the frontlines. However, there is growing concern that weapons from the conflict may find their way into other regions, including parts of Europe. Law enforcement agencies fear that organized criminal groups may purchase weapons trafficked across the border.

In July 2022, Swedish Inspector Gunnar Appelgren expressed concern over the proliferation of small arms, stating, “There is a high risk of flows of illegal weapons entering Sweden.” Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the European Union has also taken measures to prevent the trafficking of weapons to Europe after the Ukraine-Russia war concludes. European Commissioner Ylva Johansson emphasized the need to safeguard against the potential loss of weapons long after the war has ended.