Kirill Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, has described the events in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka as unacceptable; clashes broke out there on 2 November near a building involving National Guard personnel. According to him, the incident undermines the unity of Ukrainian society in the face of Russian aggression. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the circumstances of the conflict, whilst the state leadership is working on measures to respond to the situation and prevent similar incidents.
- Budanov described the clashes near the military facility in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka as unacceptable.
- The President’s Office, in conjunction with the security services, is drawing up measures to prevent provocations.
- The building housed conscripts and service personnel who had returned after leaving their unit without authorisation.
- Four soldiers with injuries were taken to a medical facility for examination.
- The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Military Ombudsman are investigating the circumstances and conditions under which military personnel are being held.
Budanov made a statement following overnight clashes in Borshchahivka
On the morning of 3 November Kirill Budanov issued a statement regarding events in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka, where, the day before, dozens of people had gathered near the temporary deployment point for National Guard personnel.
«Yesterday’s events in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka are unacceptable for the state and undermine the unity of Ukrainians, particularly in the face of the Russian threat,» emphasised the Head of the President’s Office.
Budanov stated that law enforcement agencies and other competent authorities are investigating all the circumstances of the incident. The findings of the investigation should establish an objective account of events, identify those responsible for any breaches and take measures to prevent similar situations from occurring.
«We are currently working out all the necessary measures with the security forces to ensure an appropriate response and prevent provocations,» he said.
The Head of the Presidential Office also called on Ukrainians to put the interests of the state first when making decisions in complex and contentious situations.
What happened in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka
The conflict arose on 2 November following reports circulating on social media alleging that around 40 people were being held illegally in the basement of a private house.
The authors of the reports claimed that there may have been military personnel inside, who were allegedly being held against their will and subjected to violence. Reports also circulated that one man may have been killed.
The Kyiv Regional Police have denied reports of hostages and a fatality. Law enforcement officers confirmed that they had received a report from staff at a private ambulance service who had been prevented from reaching one of the citizens.
It later transpired that the building had been used by Military Unit 3121 of the Ukrainian National Guard, which forms part of the 1st Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine, «Azov».
According to the command, the facility was temporarily housing conscripts and service personnel who had been returned after leaving their military unit without authorisation. They were awaiting assignment to units for further service.
A crowd gathered outside the building, with some of those present trying to gain access to the premises. During the clashes, a National Guard bus was damaged, and journalists reported hearing the sound of gunfire.
Four servicemen with injuries were admitted to hospital
On the evening of 2 November, the commander of the Ukrainian National Guard, Oleksandr Pivnenko, arrived at the scene.
He confirmed that four servicemen required medical attention. They were taken to hospital for examination.
The 1st Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine «Azov» clarified that these were soldiers who had been returned after leaving their unit without authorisation and who had sustained injuries.
At the same time, the causes of the injuries remain under investigation. The command has stated that, should unlawful acts of violence be confirmed, those responsible will be held to account.
Pivnenko also allowed the relatives of some service personnel into the premises so that they could see for themselves the conditions in which their loved ones were being held.
Budanov arrived at the scene of the conflict in person
Late in the evening on 2 November, Kirill Budanov arrived in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka and spoke to journalists and law enforcement officers.
He described as unacceptable a situation in which, due to clashes, people in need of medical assistance cannot be taken to hospital in good time.
According to the head of the President’s Office, there were 14 people in the building. He also noted that similar facilities exist in other locations, and that their purpose and the conditions under which military personnel are housed there need to be investigated.
When asked by journalists whether the people had been lawfully detained on the premises, Budanov replied that this was a matter for the investigation to determine.
The Ministry of the Interior has launched an internal investigation
Minister of the Interior Ivan Vygovsky announced the launch of an internal investigation, during which all the circumstances of the events will be examined, including the conditions under which the servicemen were stationed.
The State Bureau of Investigations, the National Guard Command and the Office of the Military Ombudsman are involved in the operation.
Military Ombudswoman Olga Reshetilova She reported that the servicemen are safe and are receiving the necessary medical care. She also emphasised the need for cooperation with the law enforcement agencies and the Security Service of Ukraine.
As of the morning of 3 November, the final findings of the investigation into the possible unlawful detention of military personnel, the causes of their injuries and the actions of those involved in the clashes had not been made public.
