Village Councilor Detonates Grenades During Meeting, Injuring 26 in Ukraine

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/15940904/original/open-uri20231216-56-10wicav?1702755168
ICARO Media Group
Politics
16/12/2023 19h32

In a shocking incident during a village council meeting in the western Ukrainian village of Keretsky, a councilor detonated three grenades, causing chaos and injuring at least 26 people. The explosion took place during a heated discussion concerning next year's budget, as reported by the Kyiv Independent.

A video capturing the incident reveals a man in a dark suit entering the meeting room and positioning himself by the door. Amidst the escalating argument among his colleagues, he attempts to draw attention to himself, before calmly removing three grenades from his pockets and tossing them onto the floor. The explosions resulted in panic and chaos as attendees screamed and sought cover.

The councilor responsible for the detonation has been identified as Serhii Batryn, a member of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Servant of the People party, according to local media sources. Prior to the attack, Batryn had engaged in a dispute with fellow council members over the decision to grant a wartime pay increase to the head of the village council, as stated by Zakarpattia24, a local news outlet.

According to the information released by local police, a total of 26 people were wounded in the incident, with six suffering critical injuries. Initial reports from the police incorrectly stated that the councilor had died in the attack, but a subsequent clarification indicated that he was hospitalized in serious condition but still alive.

Zakarpattia24 reported that Ukraine's Security Service will be launching an investigation into the incident, classifying it as a terror attack. The motives behind Batryn's actions remain unclear at this point.

This alarming incident has sent shockwaves throughout Ukraine, with authorities now working to uncover the truth behind the councilor's actions and ensure justice for the victims.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related