TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Ukraine: Експрес, Фіртка.
UK coverage: POLITICO Europe.

In a tragic incident in Kyiv, a top aide to Ukraine’s army commander was killed when an explosive device went off as he opened a birthday present at home. According to sources from Експрес, the 39-year-old serviceman died from a grenade detonation, while his 13-year-old son was seriously injured. The police have launched an investigation into the careless handling of ammunition, but no suspect has been identified.

The incident occurred in the village of Chaiki in the Kyiv region. According to sources from Експрес, the explosion happened while opening one of the birthday gifts that the man brought home. A source from Українська правда in law enforcement agencies confirmed that, according to the deceased’s wife, the grenade that exploded in her husband’s hands was in a gift bag that he brought home. The bag contained a bottle of alcohol and gift glasses shaped like grenades.

The Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, confirmed the death of his assistant and close friend. According to him, the tragedy occurred during the celebration of the major’s birthday within the family circle. An unknown explosive device detonated in one of the gifts.

As a result of the incident, the 13-year-old son of the deceased suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized. The wife and daughter of the military officer were unharmed. The National Police have initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, and law enforcement officers are working at the scene of the explosion. Data has been entered into the ERDR regarding the death of a person and under Article 263 “Illegal Handling of Weapons, Ammunition, or Explosives.”

According to a source from Фіртка, during the search of the apartment, the police found five intact grenades. “Unbearable pain and a heavy loss for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and for me personally. Gennadiy is survived by his wife and four children. My deepest condolences to the family… Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Gennadiy has been a reliable support for me, dedicating his entire life to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the fight against Russian aggression,” Zaluzhnyi wrote on Telegram.

The circumstances surrounding the aide’s death will be determined during the pre-trial investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased in this difficult time.