Two Poltava region residents charged with murder of Ukrainian serviceman

According to Ukrinform, the Prosecutor General's Office reported this on Facebook.

"Under the procedural guidance of the Lubny District Prosecutor's Office, two individuals -- residents of Lubny and Poltava -- have been notified of their charges," the statement said.

One suspect is accused of obstructing the lawful activities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during a special period, premeditated murder, and the theft of a firearm involving violence (Part 1 of Article 114-1, Part 1 of Article 115, and Part 3 of Article 262 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The second suspect is charged with aiding in obstructing the lawful activities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during a special period (Part 5 of Article 27, Part 1 of Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to the investigation, on January 31, a resident of Poltava was traveling to a military training unit, accompanied by servicemen from the Poltava District Territorial Recruitment Center, along with other mobilized individuals.

Seeking to evade military service, he repeatedly called an acquaintance from Lubny, informing him of the bus route.

When the bus stopped at a gas station in Pyriatyn, the Lubny resident, who had brought a shotgun with him, opened fire on one of the accompanying officers, inflicting a fatal gunshot wound.

He then seized the victim's assault rifle and fled the scene with his accomplice.

A few hours later, both suspects were apprehended. During a search, law enforcement officers found two grenade casings, a hunting shotgun, ammunition, a balaclava, mobile phones, and other items in the possession of the Lubny resident.

The seized evidence has been sent for forensic examination. The stolen assault rifle was later discovered in a forested area where the suspects had abandoned it.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and authorities are deciding on preventive measures for the suspects.