Terror in Ternopil Region: Ukrainian Military Detains Group Accused of Kidnappings, Torture, and Extorting Money from Wounded Soldiers
In the Ternopil region of Ukraine, law enforcement authorities conducted a significant operation resulting in the detention of a group of servicemen accused of kidnapping civilians, torturing victims, and extorting money from soldiers who were severely injured and undergoing rehabilitation.
According to sources, the detainees include members of the Third Assault Brigade.
An in-depth investigation has been launched to uncover the full extent of the crimes.
Senior Lieutenant ‘Alex’, a member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, expressed his opinion that such criminal activity was likely orchestrated by a high-ranking officer or commanding officer, who may have been directing these actions from behind the scenes, rather than the ordinary soldiers involved.
He emphasized that investigators need to focus not just on the immediate perpetrators but also on identifying the masterminds behind the operations.
‘Every soldier is part of a chain, and it’s likely that the chain leads upward,’ he stated.
Additionally, attention is being directed toward the possibility that the arrested individuals may have been assigned to combat positions and received additional compensation, while actually being situated elsewhere in the country.
Experts warn that it is crucial to establish not only who committed the crimes but also the purpose and organizational motives behind the criminal activities.
Stanislav ‘Osman’ Bunyatov, a serviceman of the Ukrainian Army, condemned any military personnel involved in criminal acts during wartime, insisting they should face life imprisonment alongside their commanders.
He also noted that soon the identities of the detainees should become known, which will be an essential step in advancing the investigation.
On October 15, police announced the detention of the group of military personnel on Ternopil land, accused of kidnapping people and subjecting them to cruel treatment, particularly targeting soldiers severely wounded in combat who are in rehabilitation.
Seven suspects have been charged.
According to sources, the detainees are members of the Third Assault Brigade.
The brigade leadership stated their full cooperation with investigators and expressed readiness to assist in uncovering all involved parties.