Top Ukrainian Aide Killed by Grenade

Maj. Hennadii Chastiakov

KIJIV, Ukraine - The top aide to Ukraine's military chief was killed by a grenade given to him as a birthday present, not in a targeted attack, the interior minister said. Major Hennadiy Chastiakov died on Monday in a tragic accident, in which his 13-year-old son was seriously injured, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said in Telegram.

My colleague presented six new grenades to the top aide and close friend of General Valery Zaluzhnii Chastiakov on his 39th birthday, Klimenko said. Chastiakov was showing grenades to his family at home when his son picked one up and started twisting the ring. "After that, the escort took the grenade from the child and pulled the ring, which caused a tragic explosion," said Klimenko.The police are investigating the incident in the village of Chaiky, Kyiv region.

The death of the officer was the second fatal tragedy for the Ukrainian army in less than a week. A Ukrainian brigade holding a ceremony honoring soldiers in Zaporizhia on Friday was hit by a Russian missile, killing 19 soldiers, in one of the deadliest attacks, according to Ukrainian forces. Dmytro Lysik, commander of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, was relieved of his duties as authorities investigated why the Missile and Artillery Day event was held near the front line, where Russian surveillance drones could easily detect the gathering.

Ukrainian media reported that Lysik was late for the ceremony and was not injured."We will find out who specifically violated the rules for the safety of people in the territory of the enemy air reconnaissance zone," said President Volodymyr Zelensky. "Doesn't shirk responsibility."