President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his belief that the recent mass killing of soldiers from the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade in Zaporizhzhia Oblast could have been prevented. In an evening address, he extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers and emphasized the need to establish the truth about what happened and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Zelenskyy stated that Defense Minister Umerov has provided him with information on the measures taken to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy, identify those responsible, and determine the orders given. Criminal proceedings have been initiated, and an ongoing investigation is underway.
The President stressed the importance of the investigation providing honest answers to Ukrainian society and the families affected by the tragedy regarding the causes and those responsible.
According to sources, the Russian army launched an attack on the soldiers of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade during an awards ceremony in a frontline village in Zaporizhzhia. Early reports suggest there may be over 20 fatalities.
In response to the tragedy, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umierov has instructed the Main Inspectorate of the Ministry of Defense to conduct a thorough investigation.
As a result of the incident, three days of mourning have been declared in Zakarpattia Oblast, where the soldiers were from.
President Zelenskyy’s statements highlight the need for accountability and transparency in order to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
