The Solomianskyi District Court of Kyiv has remanded in custody Viktor Yena, a man whom the investigation identifies as the "ambulance driver" who arrived at a National Guard military facility in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka on November 2, 2026. The prosecutor's request was granted: Yena has been detained for 60 days without the option of bail, with the court order effective until January 3, 2027, inclusive. The decision is subject to immediate enforcement and may be appealed to the Kyiv Court of Appeal.
Investigation's version: conspiracy and preparation to block the unit
According to the investigation, Yena acted in preliminary collusion with Valentyna Moloda and Tetiana Kireyeva. The prosecutor stated that Kireyeva knew the location of the National Guard unit and provided its address to other co-defendants. The investigation alleges that the man filmed the military facility and the surrounding area on his phone. Subsequently, according to the prosecution, the suspects prepared medical clothing and a vehicle with ambulance insignia. The goal of their actions, as stated by the prosecution, was to block the operation of the military unit and assist the military during the special military operation.
Defense arguments
During the hearing, the defense attorney asked the court not to remand Yena in custody. The lawyer emphasized that his client is a combat veteran, has a Group III disability, and has a permanent residence, as well as being a caregiver for his mother, who suffers from serious health problems. The lawyer assured the court that the suspect has no intention of evading the investigation and is ready to cooperate with law enforcement, requesting a non-custodial preventive measure. Nevertheless, the court found the defense's arguments insufficient to deny the prosecution's motion.
Context: clashes at the National Guard facility
The clashes in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka occurred on November 2, 2026, near a National Guard deployment site. Reportedly, they were triggered by allegations of torture of men. Valentyna Moloda, who identified herself as a medic, and Viktor Yena, who acted as the ambulance driver, arrived at the scene. Journalists later established that the vehicle belonged to a defunct private service, which casts doubt on its official status as an "ambulance."
Other defendants and government reaction
Earlier, the court had already remanded Valentyna Moloda and Tetiana Kireyeva to custody for 60 days without the possibility of bail; according to the investigation, they acted in prior conspiracy with Yena. Moloda is accused of obstructing the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under martial law and disclosing information about the location of a military facility. Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov, who also arrived at the scene on November 2, stated that the events occurred "not without influence," those responsible will be punished, and conclusions will be drawn within the security agencies. The State Bureau of Investigation has opened a criminal case regarding the events of November 2; according to UNN, the case was initiated under Article 426-1, Part 5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
