The National Police have identified four participants in the attack on the “Hutsuliya” ensemble

Law enforcement officers have identified four people who attacked members of the “Hutsuliya” ensemble at a gas station in Sheptytskyi in Lviv region. Three of them have already been formally notified of suspicion; another was still in hiding as of the evening of December 8.

This was reported on Telegram by Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. He clarified that the suspects in hooliganism committed by a group of persons are young men: two are 21 years old, the others are 17 and 18.

It is likely that the underage participant in the offense is the one hiding, since Klymenko stated that the notice of suspicion was procedurally served to the suspect’s father.

One of the young men has already been placed under 24-hour house arrest by the court. At the initiative of the police, a similar motion has been submitted to the court regarding the other hooligans.

“As for the actions of the officers of the Security Police Directorate who arrived at the scene: the Main Inspection is working on this matter. I am awaiting a report from the National Police leadership on the findings of the internal investigation, which will form the basis for further decisions,” Klymenko added.

“The actions of these young men are an attack on people. This is a crime. And such actions cannot be justified either by age or by circumstances. Anyone who chooses the path of violence will receive fair punishment,” the minister concluded.

The Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, for its part, commented on rumors that one of the participants’ parents allegedly works for the agency.

“This information does not correspond to reality. For clarification, we contacted the representative of the National Academic Hutsul Song and Dance Ensemble ‘Hutsuliya,’ who is cited as the source. It turned out that her assumption arose after a phone call from the father of a minor to the newsroom demanding that a video featuring his daughter be removed. Since the man mentioned a possible appeal to the court, a conclusion was drawn about his profession,” the press service explained.

The prosecutor’s office checked personnel and registration data and confirmed that none of the parents of the individuals involved works in the bodies of the Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office or is connected to it.

On the night of December 7, a high-profile incident involving “Hutsuliya” performers occurred in Lviv region. As they were returning from a tour of European countries and stopped at a gas station in the town of Sheptytskyi, a group of aggressive young men attacked members of the ensemble.

The driver and several performers were injured: a displaced fracture, concussion, broken noses, numerous bruises, and rib injuries were recorded. According to witnesses, the ensemble’s administrator was pushed and thrown onto the asphalt.

“Hutsuliya” claims that the attackers were not immediately detained, and that the police, despite the obscene language and aggressive behavior from the violators, spoke to them without taking active measures. This became one of the key triggers for public outrage.