Edith Hejberg
According to law enforcement sources, the cadet opened fire with an automatic weapon during a live-fire exercise
A tragic incident unfolded during a military training session in northern Ukraine, where a cadet fatally shot two instructors with an assault rifle. The deadly shooting occurred on July 16 in Chernihiv Oblast, a region near the Belarusian border.
Victims Were Ukrainian Ground Forces Instructors
According to law enforcement sources, the cadet opened fire with an automatic weapon during a live-fire exercise. Both victims were military instructors with the Ukrainian Ground Forces, succumbed to their injuries on-site.
Shooting Sparks Immediate Investigation
Authorities swiftly launched a criminal investigation into the shooting. The cadet was taken into custody and is being held under Ukraine’s Criminal Procedure Code. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is now overseeing the case.
Motive for the Attack Still Unclear
While details remain scarce, officials have not yet released any information about what may have triggered the cadet’s actions. The motive behind the sudden and violent outburst is still under investigation.
Initial Reports Surfaced on Social Media
Word of the incident first appeared on social media late in the evening on July 16. Shortly thereafter, local news outlets picked up the story, citing sources within the police and military.
Training Ground Location: Strategic Chernihiv Oblast
The incident occurred at a military training facility in Chernihiv Oblast, a strategically important area that has hosted numerous military drills since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. The region lies just north of Kyiv and shares a border with Belarus.
Ground Forces Yet to Issue Statement
As of July 18, Ukraine’s Ground Forces Command has not released an official statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, investigators are gathering evidence and conducting interviews to piece together what happened.
Charges: Premeditated Murder
Police confirmed the case is being treated as a double homicide. The cadet is facing charges of premeditated murder, a serious offense under Ukrainian law that could lead to a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
Context: Heightened Tensions Amid War
The fatal shooting adds another layer of strain to Ukraine’s military training infrastructure, which has been under immense pressure due to the ongoing war with Russia. Tensions, stress, and psychological strain among troops remain a growing concern.
