Photo: Getty Images
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly addressed the abduction and murder of two civilians in the Kyiv region, a case involving servicemen from the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade and its former commander.
"Everything they did will be thoroughly investigated. This case concerns not only one community or the Kyiv region," Zelenskyy wrote on social media.
The president stressed that establishing the full truth and holding everyone responsible accountable is a matter of national importance, adding that justice will be served.
Ten suspects detained
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported that another suspect had been detained in connection with the killing of two residents of the village of Kalynivka in the Kyiv region.
A total of ten people have now been detained, including:
- the former commander of the 155th Brigade;
- nine servicemen from the same unit.
Zelenskyy also said local residents are assisting investigators in seeking justice for the Moseichuk family, whose relatives were the victims of the crime. He emphasized that all commitments made to the family during meetings with officials must be fully honored.
Background
On the night of June 27–28, a group of seven men allegedly entered the property of two brothers in the Kyiv region and abducted them. The victims were later found dead.
Investigators subsequently linked the crime to servicemen from the 155th Separate Mechanized Brigade.
On July 11, it emerged that the brigade's commander, Stanislav Luchanov, had left his military unit without authorization. He was immediately placed on the wanted list, while all military personnel implicated in the case were suspended from duty.
Later that day, Luchanov was formally charged with unlawful deprivation of liberty and the premeditated murder of two civilians from the Kyiv region.
Ukraine's Armed Forces have stated that no one will receive preferential treatment because of military rank.
Luchanov was detained in Kyiv on July 13.
