First suspect arrested in attack on military personnel in Lviv — faces up to 8 years in prison

A 23-year-old man who took part in the mass disturbances on July 8 on Chervona Kalyna Avenue in Lviv has been detained: he used pepper spray against police officers and beat the deputy chief of one of Lviv’s district police departments.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the SBU and a statement from the Lviv regional prosecutor’s office.

The incident occurred during a citizen notification operation conducted by military personnel together with police officers. An aggressive crowd blocked the military’s official vehicle, damaged it, and then overturned it. When police officers attempted to stop the disturbances, members of the crowd began actively resisting them.

The Security Service and the National Police needed one day to identify the attacker and detain him. A decision is now being made on whether to charge the detainee under two articles simultaneously. In addition, law enforcement officers are investigating the case on the grounds of obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations. Those responsible face up to 8 years in prison. The search for all those involved in the mass disturbances is ongoing.

According to the TCC, the conflict arose during the detention of a military-age man who had been wanted since June 12. Hundreds of people gathered at the scene, chanting “Shame!” and overturned the official vehicle.

Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov stated that citizens must be aware of the consequences of attacks on military personnel and understand what such actions could mean for Ukraine. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the actions of TCC servicemen during the incident in Lviv are being reviewed as part of an internal investigation.