Terrifying moment rogue Ukrainian politician tosses grenade into council meeting

16 December 2023 , 14:45

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Terrifying moment rogue Ukrainian politician tosses grenade into council meeting

A chilling video shows the moment a local politician tossed three grenades into a village council meeting in Ukraine.

The incident, which reportedly happened on a Friday morning in the village of Keretsky, in Ukraine's Transcarpathian region, left 26 lawmakers with injuries. Six of them are said to be clinging to life in hospital.

The man, who is yet to be identified, appears enraged as he enters the meeting late as the other members engage in a heated discussion. To the others' horror, he then produces two grenades from his pocket. As he launches a vicious tirade with a grenade in each hand, he then asks: "May I?"

The man was reportedly infuriated over alleged corruption in the village (social media, e2w news)

The moment the grenade exploded in a local council meeting (social media/e2w)

The others present appear not to be taking him seriously as the man tries to get their attention before chucking the explosives. He lobs the grenades on the floor close to where he is standing beside a female council members. In the climax of the blood-chilling clip, the grenade then erupts.

In the audio, three blasts can be heard, which was later confirmed by law enforcement reports. A total of 26 were wounded in the blast, with six fo them in a serious condition in hospital. Everyone who sustained life-threatening wounds remain in intensive care.

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One of the victims c:an be heard crying out: "My legs, I can't walk...my legs are cut." Another is heard pleading for someone to "call the ambulance". A politician then says: "Pull me out".

Serhiy Batrin, 54, who was a member of the same party as Volodymyr Zelensky (social media, e2w news)

The suspect, who is said to be one of the local politician, is believed to be among those with the most severe injuries. He was resuscitated after the explosion. At the time of the attack, the lawmakers were understoof to have been discussing money.

Police have now named the suspect as Serhiy Batrin, 54, a Servant of the People party council rep working in the town's law and order commission. It's the same party as the one founded by Volodymyr Zelensky.

Debris strewn around the council rooms (National Police)

An investigation has been launched to establish the motive of Batrin - who is said to have been in "eternal opposition" to the controlling faction of the council.

He had previously complained over issues with the village's water supply despite a large payment being made to a utility company director. In the aftermath of the explosions, local media reported a video him accusing lawmakers of corruprtion.

Ryan Fahey