Ukrainian politician drops hand grenades in meeting ‘after being ignored’

The incident took place during an altercation at a council meeting in the village of Keretsky, western Ukraine (Picture: east2west news)

A local councillor in Ukraine detonated hand grenades during a village meeting, leaving more than two dozen people injured.

The man, named in local media as Serhii Batryn, 54, was filmed pulling the explosives from his jacket moments after shuffling into the crowded room.

He then removes the pins from two grenades before dropping the devices to the floor. 

The live feed captures the distressing moments that follow, as the explosions fill the room with smoke and screams are heard over the audio.

Up to 26 people are reported to have been wounded by the grenades, with six in critical condition. 

Unverified reports suggest at least one person was killed.

Batryn is a village council member representing President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Servant of the People party. 

Footage of the incident shows the local councilman walking into the meeting with two grenades in his hands (Picture: east 2 west)

He then appears to shrug his shoulders before pulling the pins out and throwing the devices to the floor, where they then detonate (Picture: east 2 west)

The councilman has been identified by local press as Serhiy Batrin, 54, of the Servant of the People party (Picture: east 2 west)

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Prior to the incident, he is understood to have argued with colleagues over a proposed increase in pay for the head of the local authority.

He’s reported to have then returned with the devices in hand, detonating them after he was ignored by the other attendees.

In addition to the terrorism probe, police are also understood to be looking into an illegal handling of weapons.

The ongoing conflict with Russia, now in its 21st month, has left many Ukrainians with easy access to powerful weaponry.

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The incident took place during an altercation at a council meeting in the village of Keretsky, western Ukraine.