Organizer of arms exhibition near Kyiv struck by Russia detained

The chief organizer of a military exhibition held near Kyiv, which Russia struck with a missile attack that killed 10 people, has been detained.

This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

According to investigators, one of the arms industry associations organized the large-scale event without any coordination with the military command, the regional and district military administrations, or other authorized bodies. Military personnel, representatives of government agencies, international partners, and businesses took part in the exhibition. The program included, in particular, a demonstration of air defense systems.

More than 300 people were invited to the open-air venue. The nearest shelter, measuring just 34 square meters, was located approximately 100 meters from the event site — meaning participants were in conditions of heightened risk from the very start.

Invitations were sent out nine days before the exhibition, while the organizers informed participants of the exact location and time only one day before it began. Investigators are examining whether these actions could have helped Russian forces obtain information to prepare a targeted strike.

The organizer has been served with a notice of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — dereliction of duty resulting in grave consequences. A court will determine a preventive measure for him in the near future. Due to minor injuries sustained, the suspect is under guard at a medical facility. His name has not been disclosed. It was previously reported that the exhibition was held by the “Armada” drone manufacturers association, headed by National Corps member Vasyl Honcharuk.

Law enforcement officers conducted urgent searches at the association’s office and at the residences of individuals who may have been involved in organizing the exhibition.

The investigation will also separately assess the actions or inaction of officials who were required to respond to potential threats. The actions of units of the National Police, the SBU, state authorities, local government bodies, and military command are being examined with regard to threat monitoring, risk assessment, and the taking of necessary security measures.

The head of the communications department of the Ukrainian Air Force, Yuriy Ihnat, previously stated that the military exhibition was held on the grounds of a private sports complex, not at a Ukrainian Armed Forces training range.