Two locals suspected in blast at Ukraine draft office in Lviv region

The specialized defense prosecutor's office for Ukraine's Western region has announced that two residents of Lviv region, aged 48 and 41, have been officially notified of suspicion in committing a terrorist act. The incident took place on September 17 at a territorial recruitment center (TCK) and enlistment office in the Stryi district.

How the attack unfolded

According to investigators, around 4:30 PM a Daewoo Lanos car drove past the military facility. Investigators believe the driver handed an explosive device to a passenger, who then threw it out of the side window. The device landed on the TCK grounds near the parking lot exit. When a 55-year-old TCK officer approached the object, it detonated, causing him multiple injuries.

After the explosion, both suspects attempted to flee but were detained shortly afterward. Their actions have been classified under the article of Ukraine's Criminal Code covering a terrorist act committed by prior conspiracy among a group of persons.

Further findings and next steps

During a search of one suspect's residence, law enforcement also discovered two additional explosive devices. Prosecutors have asked a court to order pretrial detention for both suspects. Investigators are still working to establish the motive behind the attack, including checking a possible version that the suspects cooperated with Russian special services.

It was reported that on the evening of September 17, the Lviv regional TCK also reported an explosion near a district TCK building in Mykolaiv, Lviv region, which injured two servicemen. Prosecutors later confirmed that in that case as well, a Daewoo Lanos drove past the open TCK gates before an explosive device was thrown onto the facility's grounds.