The main organizer of an arms exhibition in the Kyiv region, which was struck by a Russian ballistic missile on July 24, has been detained. He has been informed of suspicion of improper performance of official duties, which resulted in serious consequences.
As reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Prosecutor General Ruslan Kравченко, the investigation established that one of the arms associations held a large-scale event without coordination with the military command and authorized bodies. More than 300 people, including military personnel, government officials, and international partners, were invited to the open-air venue.
Disregard for safety rules
The event program included a demonstration of air defense systems. Meanwhile, the nearest bomb shelter, covering only 34 square meters, was located 100 meters away from the gathering place. This meant that hundreds of people were initially in a zone of critical risk.
The investigation is checking whether the actions of the organizers could have enabled the enemy to prepare a targeted strike. Invitations were sent out nine days in advance, but the exact location and time of the event were communicated to participants only one day before it began.
Consequences of the attack
As a result of the strike on the territory of a private training ground, 10 people died, the youngest of whom was 19 years old. Another hundred or so were injured with varying degrees of severity. Residential houses were also destroyed.
Air Force Spokesperson Yuriy Ignat clarified that the Russian ballistic missile hit a private sports complex in the Kyiv region, not a Ukrainian Armed Forces training ground. The Ukrainian Arms Council confirmed that representatives of the defense industry were in the impact zone.
Criminal proceedings and investigations
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kравченко announced the opening of two criminal cases. One concerns war crimes under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The second relates to Part 3 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine regarding possible improper performance of official duties during the organization of the event.
The main organizer, who is under guard at a medical facility due to minor injuries, is awaiting the court's decision on the preventive measure. Law enforcement officers conducted searches at the association's office and at the residences of individuals involved in organizing the exhibition.
A separate legal assessment will be given to the actions of officials obligated to respond to risks. The activities of units of the National Police, SBU, government bodies, and the military command are being checked for timely identification of threats and taking measures provided by law.
