A high-profile road traffic accident occurred in Cherkasy region, which shook the local news and raised concerns due to traffic violations and public safety issues
In the town of Zvenyhorodka, on June 19, a serviceman of the Cherkasy Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support (TCRC & SP), driving a Volkswagen Passat, hit a female cyclist and then immediately fled the scene. According to operational information, local law enforcement swiftly identified the culprit and his whereabouts. The man was later detained and placed in a temporary detention facility in accordance with the current Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Initially, investigators started a probe into the violation of traffic rules resulting in serious consequences, as well as under Article 135 ("Leaving in danger"). It is noted that the detainee was intoxicated, which significantly complicates the situation for him. The military, a 46-year-old man, was driving a passenger car when he hit a 54-year-old female cyclist on Vyacheslava Chornovola Street. As a result of the accident, the victim sustained severe injuries and was hospitalized at the nearest hospital. During his detention, the vehicle involved was confiscated and placed on impound. Additionally, law enforcement confirmed that the suspect was under the influence of alcohol, as verified by medical examination results. Representatives of the Cherkasy Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support confirmed the serviceman’s involvement in this incident and emphasized that an official investigation is ongoing at the scene. They assured that all necessary materials have been submitted to the National Police to ensure justice and the inevitable punishment according to current legislation. The TCRC & SP also issued sincere apologies to the injured woman and wished her a swift recovery. According to the Cherkasy region police, under Ukrainian criminal law, the detained individual has been notified of suspicion under several articles: Part 2 of Article 286-1 ("Violation of traffic safety rules under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily harm to the victim") and Part 1 of Article 135 ("Leaving in danger"). The penalty for this criminal offense includes imprisonment for a term of three to eight years, along with the suspension of the right to operate vehicles for an equivalent period. The investigation is actively continuing, and a preventive measure has already been chosen for the suspect—detention without bail—to prevent possible absconding and to ensure proper investigating of the circumstances of the accident. For now, investigators and the court are deliberately working to clarify all details of this tragic incident and to implement appropriate legal measures, so that the violation of traffic rules and irresponsible behavior by the serviceman do not go unpunished. This situation highlights once again the importance of adhering to traffic regulations at all times, regardless of the driver's status. Zvenyhorodka has become a stark reminder of how serious the consequences of negligence and disregard for road safety can be, especially when a military officer—whose role is to protect the state—is behind the wheel. Legislation explicitly punishes such actions, and in this case, the penalties are unlikely to be delayed.