Violent Clash in Velykyi Bereznyi: Civilians Attack Border Guards

On the evening of May 29 in Velykyi Berezny in Zakarpattia, a group of civilians stormed the border guards’ screening of individuals likely involved in smuggling draft-age men across the Ukrainian-Slovak border.

The contingent acted in cooperation with officers from the National Police and the National Guard during an operation in the city’s Roma settlement.

During questioning, the residents actively resisted and attempted to disrupt the operation.

The initiators of the conflict incited the rest of the citizens to commit unlawful acts, involving women and minors. As a result, stones and bricks began to be hurled at the border guards and their service vehicles, – the press service said.

Complications and consequences

Subsequently, the group of citizens attempted to block the border unit, forcing law enforcement officers to apply coercive measures and use special means.

During the clash, two border guards sustained moderate injuries; they were hospitalized and provided with the necessary medical care. Also, damage to two official vehicles was recorded.

After the attackers were detained, authorities report violations of criminal law and a pre-trial investigation has begun.

Their actions show signs of criminal offenses prescribed by Article 345 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ‘Threats or violence against a law enforcement officer’ and Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ‘Intentional destruction or damage of property’.

Investigative actions are ongoing, and the full scope of the incident is being clarified, after which appropriate legal conclusions will be drawn.