Deadly Attack Unfolds as Ukrainian Politician Throws Grenades During Council Meeting: One Dead, 26 Injured

A local government deputy in western Ukraine initiated a deadly attack during a council meeting in Keretsky, Transcarpathia, leaving at least one person dead and 26 injured, with six in critical condition.

The shocking incident unfolded as grenades were thrown into the meeting, tearing apart the room and prompting authorities to investigate the possibility of a terrorist attack.

The assailant, identified as Serhii Batryn, a deputy from Volodymyr Zelensky’s Servant of the People Party, was reportedly engaged in a heated argument with fellow politicians over the council’s 2024 budget and proposed payments and bonuses. The attack was captured on video, showing Batryn entering the packed council room, briefly listening to ongoing proceedings, and then interjecting while pulling grenades from his coat pocket.

Despite the visible threat, the video indicates that those present in the room did not react until after Batryn threw the grenades onto the floor, leading to a series of explosions. The councilor himself was among the wounded, adding complexity to the unfolding investigation.

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Authorities are treating the incident as a potential terrorist attack, although they have not confirmed the motives or identity as reported by Ukrainian media. The attack draws attention to the concerning consequences of the widespread availability of military equipment in the country due to its ongoing war. This event is reminiscent of other incidents, such as a military aide’s accidental death from a birthday-presented grenade and the head of Poland’s police being injured by a grenade launcher received as a gift.

The tragic incident at the Ukrainian council meeting highlights the urgent need for increased security measures at public gatherings and political events.

As investigations progress, questions surrounding the motive and circumstances leading to this violent attack will be crucial to understanding and preventing such events in the future.