Zelenskyy reacts to strike on the 128th Brigade: Case opened
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: president.gov.ua)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the loss of soldiers from the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, according to the information provided by the head of the state.
"My condolences to all the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers. This is a tragedy that could have been avoided. Minister of Defense Umerov has briefed me on the measures taken to clarify all the circumstances of what happened, who specifically and what orders were given," he stated.
Zelenskyy added that a criminal investigation had been initiated in connection with the tragedy, and the relevant investigation is ongoing.
"The most important thing is to establish the full truth about what happened and prevent such incidents in the future. Every military personnel in the combat zone - in the line of fire and enemy aerial reconnaissance - knows how to behave in the open field, how to ensure safety," the president said.
He further noted that the ongoing investigation should provide the families of the fallen soldiers and the society with honest answers about how the tragedy occurred and whether any orders were incorrect.
What is known about the tragedy
Russian terrorists targeted the personnel of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade in the Zaporizhzhia region. The soldiers had gathered for an awards ceremony in preparation for Artillery Day when the attack occurred.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that the strike was carried out by an Iskander-M missile. As a result of the shelling, military personnel were killed, and local residents were injured.
The Ministry of Defense will conduct an investigation into this horrific tragedy.
