The State Bureau of Investigation has opened a criminal case over clashes in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka: what is known

The State Bureau of Investigation has initiated criminal proceedings into the incident that occurred on November 2, 2026 in Petropavlivska Borshchagovka, Kyiv region. During the conflict near the house where the servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine were, shots were fired and police cars were damaged.

The press service of the State Bureau of Investigation reported this on November 3.

Criminal proceedings have been opened under Part 5 of Article 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – abuse of power or official authority by a military official.

According to preliminary information, the events unfolded near a private house that was used for temporary accommodation of National Guard servicemen who were returned after leaving a military unit (SZCH).

After reports appeared on social networks about the alleged illegal detention of servicemen, citizens gathered near the building. The conflict later escalated into clashes, during which shots were fired and police cars were damaged.

What the SBI investigators will investigate

Employees of the State Bureau of Investigation arrived at the scene and began investigative actions together with representatives of the prosecutor’s office, the National Police, and the Office of the Military Ombudsman.

As part of the criminal proceedings, law enforcement officers must establish:

the legality of the military personnel’s stay in the premises;
the conditions of their accommodation and possible violations of rights;
the circumstances of the alleged use of coercion against the military;
the causes of the conflict and the actions of its participants;
the legality of the decisions and actions of all officials involved.

The SBI emphasized that a significant amount of contradictory information is circulating around the incident, some of which is currently unconfirmed.

Investigators must establish the factual circumstances of the incident, verify reports of possible human rights violations, and provide a legal assessment of the actions of all participants in the conflict.

SBI urges to refrain from premature conclusions

The department assured that the investigation will be complete, objective and impartial.

The legal assessment of the actions of the persons involved will be provided solely on the basis of the established facts and collected evidence.

The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Defense of the Central Region is responsible for the procedural management of the criminal proceedings.

At the same time, the SBI reminded of the presumption of innocence enshrined in Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine: a person is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court verdict.

The department promises to inform the public about the further course and results of the investigation within the limits stipulated by law.