Russian strike on arms exhibition near Kyiv: event organiser served notice of suspicion

The organiser of an arms exhibition in Kyiv Oblast that was hit by a Russian strike on 24 July has been detained and served with a notice of suspicion. Ten people were killed in the attack and around 100 others were injured.

Source: Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko on Telegram

Quote: "The main organiser of the event has been detained. He has been served with a notice of suspicion under Article 367.3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The court will determine a pre-trial restriction for him in the near future."

Details: Kravchenko added that "due to minor injuries", the suspect is currently under armed guard in a medical facility.

He also stated that searches have been conducted at the office of an arms manufacturers' association and the homes of individuals who may have been involved in organising the event.

According to the investigation, the association organised this large-scale event – which was attended by military personnel, government officials, international partners and business representatives – "without any clearance" from the military command, regional or district military administrations, or other authorised bodies.

"The programme included a demonstration of air defence systems. Over 300 people were invited to an open-air location. The nearest shelter – with an area of just 34 sq m – was located about 100 m away from the venue," Kravchenko said.

He added that this alone presented serious security risks for hundreds of people. Furthermore, invitations to the event were sent out nine days in advance, with the exact location and time disclosed 24 hours before.

"Investigators are examining whether these actions enabled the enemy to prepare a targeted strike," Kravchenko noted.

Law enforcement agencies will also be conducting a separate legal assessment of the actions or inaction of all officials who were obligated to respond to the potential risks.

Kravchenko said the activities of the relevant units within the National Police, the Security Service of Ukraine, state and local government agencies and the military command are being investigated.

Background:

• On the afternoon of 24 July, Russian forces launched a missile attack on Kyiv Oblast, striking an arms exhibition. It was initially reported that six people had been killed and dozens injured.
• Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko later stated that the death toll had risen to 10 and the number injured to around 100. Two criminal cases have been opened into the incident under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war) and Article 367.3 (improper performance of official duties during the organisation and running of an event resulting in loss of life and other serious consequences).
• Ukraine's Air Force said two Russian ballistic missiles struck the training ground in Kyiv Oblast where the event was being held.
• The Russian strike also damaged nearly 30 homes and over 40 vehicles.
• Ukraine's General Staff stressed that the site struck by the Russians is a civilian facility and is not under the authority of the defence forces.

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