Russia Ukrainian officer in custody for deadly soldier's celebration
Despite a ban by the Ukrainian General Staff, a commander is said to have gathered 100 soldiers for a celebration, making them the target of a deadly Russian attack. Twelve soldiers and seven civilians were killed in the missile and drone strike in the Dnipropetrovsk region a week ago on Saturday, according to the General Prosecutor's Office in Kiev. In addition, 36 soldiers were injured. A court in the industrial city of Dnipro issued an arrest warrant for the man, according to the State Investigation Bureau.
08.11.2025, 15:17
08.11.2025, 16:51
SDA
The extent of the incident has not yet been publicly reported. As a rule, the authorities do not disclose the number of their own soldiers killed. It is not the first violation of this kind against the law of war, which prohibits such gatherings.
According to the investigation, the officer is said to have gathered the soldiers for the ceremony on November 1 in order to present them with an award. During the ceremony, the Russian troops attacked with two ballistic missiles and three drones, according to the report. A Ukrainian journalist had previously reported that his brother had been killed at the ceremony.
Investigators: mass gatherings inadmissible
The commander now accused must answer for neglecting his official duties, the General Prosecutor's Office also announced. The investigators also stated that no previous merits or combat experience of the accused could justify the disregard of security regulations.
"Under wartime conditions, mass gatherings, ceremonies or awards in areas where there is a potential missile threat are not permitted. Commanders bear personal responsibility for the lives and safety of their subordinates," the investigators emphasized.
Orders are always awarded in Ukraine - in safe places. President Volodymyr Zelensky also performs them. However, there are sometimes security breaches, such as in April in the city of Sumy near the Russian border. On a Sunday morning, a ceremony was held in the university ballroom to award medals to deserving soldiers. More than 30 civilians were killed in the town. According to Ukrainian sources, the soldiers gathered there were not injured.
