Zaluzhnyi's aide dies near Kyiv: What's known about death of Major Chastiakov
Hennadii Chastiakov died in an explosion of a grenade near Kyiv (Collage by RBC-Ukraine)
On the evening of November 6, near Kyiv, Major Hennadii Chastiakov, an aide to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, died from the explosion of a grenade. The explosive device was in one of the birthday gifts, which the deceased was celebrating today.
All that is known at the moment about the serviceman's death can be found in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
During the preparation of this material, the information from the National Police in Telegram, a statement from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi on Facebook, and information from sources of RBC-Ukraine in law enforcement agencies were used.
What happened
In the evening, the National Police of Ukraine reported an incident in the village of Chaiky in the Kyiv region. As a result of a grenade explosion, a 39-year-old serviceman died, and his 13-year-old son sustained injuries and is in the hospital.
Later, it became known that the deceased was the aide to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Major Hennadii Chastiakov. The tragedy occurred on his birthday.
The police arrived at the scene, and a criminal investigation was initiated regarding the loss of life and illegal handling of ammunition.
The explosive device was inside a gift
Sources from RBC-Ukraine in law enforcement agencies reported that a grenade lever and pin were found at the scene. This suggests that the deceased pulled the ring from the grenade, causing it to explode.
In total, Chastiakov received six grenades as gifts for his birthday.
According to RBC-Ukraine's sources, the explosive device was handed to Hennadii Chastiakov by the senior aide to the Deputy Chief of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Tymchenko.
The version of an assassination or Russian involvement is ruled out
Sources from RBC-Ukraine in law enforcement agencies state that Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reacted to the death of his aide, Major Hennadii Chastiakov, who died due to an accidental incident. The cause of death was an explosion of a grenade.
"With a 99.9% probability, this is a tragic accident. He was given combat grenades as a birthday gift, and one of them detonated due to careless handling," the source stated.
The investigation is ongoing, but at this time, there is no reason to suggest either an assassination attempt or Russian involvement, according to an informed source.
Zaluzhnyi has confirmed the death of his aide
Valerii Zaluzhnyi confirmed the death of his aide and the fact that the explosive device was in one of the birthday gifts. According to the Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Hennadii Chastiakov was celebrating his birthday with his family today.
"In one of the gifts, an unknown explosive device detonated. Hennadii is survived by his wife and four children. My deepest condolences to the family," Zaluzhnyi added.
What is known about Hennadii Chastiakov
There is limited information available in open sources about Hennadii Chastiakov. He was born in 1984. He graduated from a military lyceum and later from the Odesa Institute of Land Forces. He served in the Novohrad-Volynskyi Brigade and then pursued business interests.
Photo: Hennadii Chastiakov was an aide to Valerii Zaluzhnyi (instagram.com/gennadiichastiakov)
In 2022, he became an aide to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.
According to Zaluzhnyi, Chastiakov was a "reliable shoulder" who dedicated his life entirely to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the fight against Russian aggression.
