A local deputy caused a grenade explosion in a village council meeting in Ukraine’s western Zakarpattia region on Friday, injuring at least 26 people, including himself.
The incident occurred during the session of the council of the village of Zaluzhany, about 500 km west of the capital Kyiv. The deputy, whose name was not disclosed, detonated one or more grenades, according to the national police.
The police said that 26 people were injured, six of them in serious condition. They were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The deputy was also severely wounded and doctors were trying to save his life.
The motive for the attack was not clear. The police launched a criminal investigation into the case and said they would provide more details later.
Ukraine has been fighting against Russian aggression in its eastern regions since Feb. 2022. The conflict has claimed over 14,000 lives and displaced millions of people. Explosives are often used by the warring sides, and sometimes cause accidents in other parts of the country.
