Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny, who reportedly handed a grenade to Gennady Chastyakov, cautioned that the items in question were military munitions. This information was disclosed during a nationwide Ukrainian telethon where Maryana Reva, an advisor to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provided details of the incident.
Reports confirm that Chastyakov sustained injuries from the grenade due to mishandling in the Kiev region the day prior, and his son remains in hospital in serious condition. Igor Klimenko, head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated that a colleague was responsible for delivering the grenade to the deputy commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a revelation that has prompted further scrutiny of the chain of custody and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to Reva, the grenade was given as a gift. The individual who presented the item has been questioned by security authorities. The container reportedly contained a bottle of alcohol in addition to six grenades. Reva noted that the alleged donor claimed the grenades were military in nature at the time they were handed over.
As the investigation progresses, the person under procedural status remains unclear. Reva emphasized that the grenades were handed to the recipient under the assertion that they were military munitions. The devices were subsequently sent to forensics to determine their origin and status, with investigators focusing on whether the materials could have caused the accident through improper handling or an unwitting misapplication of the munitions.
Officials have stated that the preliminary findings indicate the explosion resulted from an accident linked to careless handling of ammunition rather than deliberate action. The investigation is examining how the transfer occurred, what measures were in place to verify the munitions’ legal status, and whether any safety protocols were bypassed during the exchange.
Earlier reports had suggested that a retired LPR lieutenant colonel had commented on the incident, noting that such events can create panic within the Armed Forces. Authorities are pursuing a comprehensive review to determine how this situation developed, what missteps occurred, and how to prevent similar episodes in the future. The focus remains on ensuring accountability, reinforcing safety standards, and preserving trust within military and security structures.
As the case unfolds, security services have reiterated their commitment to transparency while balancing the needs of ongoing operations and the safety of personnel. The broader context emphasizes the importance of strict controls over military equipment, clear reporting channels for potential improprieties, and swift action in response to any breach of protocol. The goal is to uphold public safety and maintain the integrity of military institutions during challenging times.
Given the sensitive nature of the matter, authorities are careful to distinguish between questions of protocol, personal conduct, and the administrative responsibilities tied to handling weapons. The ongoing inquiry aims to determine whether any regulations were violated, whether the grenade’s provenance was legitimate, and what steps will be taken to prevent future incidents that could affect the readiness and morale of service members.
In summary, investigators are looking into the chain of events—from the moment the grenade was offered as a gift to its delivery to a high-ranking commander, through the labeling and classification of the device, to the ultimate cause of the blast. While early findings point to accidental mishandling, the situation underscores the critical importance of rigorous verification, secure handling, and clear communication around military munitions to protect personnel and maintain operational stability.