Timochko suspects link between Borchahivka unrest and Russian missile strike

The incident in Petropavlivska Borchahivka was likely not accidental. Ivan Timochko, Head of the Reserve Council of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, expressed the view that the unrest could have been part of a planned operation by Russia.

«Ви зверніть увагу, що оці так звані бунти були пов'язані саме з масованим ракетним ударом» (Pay attention to the fact that these so-called riots were linked precisely to a massive missile strike), Timochko emphasised.

According to him, Russia launched approximately 70 missiles that night. Timochko noted that the shelling itself was likely not planned for a specific event; rather, the event may have been organised by synchronising it with the missile attack.

Ombudsman demands establishment of facts

Dmytro Lubinets, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada, stated that he has already sent requests to law enforcement agencies demanding a detailed review of the circumstances of the incident.

Specifically, the Ombudsman is demanding clarification of the legal basis for the presence of military personnel and National Guard representatives in a private house, determination of the tasks they were performing there, and provision of a legal assessment of the actions of all participants in the event.

At the same time, Lubinets condemned the attacks on military personnel, National Guard members, and police officers. He called for a review of the actions of civilians who, according to him, participated in the attack.

«Єдиний шлях зупинити подібні конфлікти — не виправдовувати одну сторону й не засуджувати іншу наперед, а встановлювати факти та надавати правову оцінку діям кожного учасника» (The only way to stop such conflicts is not to justify one side or condemn the other in advance, but to establish the facts and provide a legal assessment of the actions of each participant), the Ombudsman emphasised.

He also called for preventing internal conflicts from escalating into a confrontation between Ukrainians.

SBI investigates possible abuse of authority

On 3 November, the State Bureau of Investigation announced the opening of a criminal case. It was opened on the grounds of possible abuse of authority or official powers by a military official — under Part 5 of Article 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

According to the SBI, the incident occurred near a private house that was being used for the temporary accommodation of National Guard military personnel. These soldiers had returned after leaving their military unit without permission.

After reports of alleged illegal detention of people were spread on social media, citizens gathered near the house. The conflict subsequently escalated into clashes: shots were fired, and police service vehicles were damaged.

Investigators will verify the legality of the actions of all parties, the conditions of the military personnel's stay in the house, possible use of force against them, and the sequence of events.

The SBI emphasised that contradictory information is currently being circulated, some of which is unverified. Final conclusions must be drawn based on the results of the investigation.