A recruit in the Ukrainian army is accused of opening fire and deliberately killing his superiors during a training exercise in northern Ukraine, police announced today. Specifically, during his training in a live-fire exercise, the recruit shot his instructors with his automatic weapon, police reported, clarifying that the incident occurred on Wednesday (16/7) in the Chernihiv region, resulting in two soldiers succumbing to their injuries.
It is worth noting that the recruit was arrested and charged with premeditated murder. If found guilty, he faces at least 15 years in prison.
What drove the recruit to violence
Given the intense mobilization taking place in Ukraine amid the war, it is unlikely that the real reasons behind the recruit’s actions will be disclosed.
Russia and Ukraine have suffered heavy losses, with Western intelligence services and independent analysts estimating casualties in the tens of thousands on both sides.
The issue of casualties is particularly sensitive, and both countries avoid making announcements or publicly confirming numbers.
The Ukrainian army, after three and a half years of war, is struggling to fill gaps in its ranks. Mobilization is highly unpopular, and adult men are not allowed to leave the country, except for certain exceptions.
