Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Volodymyr Artyukh, the head of Sumy’s Regional Military Administration, following a deadly missile strike in the city.
The news was reported by the Suspilne news outlet, although the official reasons behind the dismissal remain unclear.
However, it is believed that the decision stems from the recent Russian missile attack on Sumy, which raised serious concerns about the organization of a military ceremony held just before the strike.
The Controversial Ceremony
In a statement to Suspilne, Artyukh acknowledged that a military awards ceremony took place in Sumy on April 13, the same day of the missile strike.
He clarified that he did not initiate the event but was invited to attend.
Artyukh, who had served as head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration since April 2023, has faced backlash for his involvement.
The ceremony, which gathered military personnel, became a target for Russian forces, who allegedly had prior knowledge of the gathering.
Local officials, including MP Maryana Bezuhla, condemned the decision to hold such an event in a civilian area, arguing it put soldiers at risk.
Russian Missile Strike and Casualties
On April 13, Russian missiles struck the Congress Center of Sumy State University, where the military ceremony was being held.
The attack, carried out with two Iskander-M missiles, reportedly killed over 60 Ukrainian soldiers.
Among the victims were officers from several Ukrainian brigades, including the 95th, 80th, and 117th.
MP Maryana Bezuhla, in her statement, advised against holding such gatherings, especially in civilian locations.
Several other officials, including former MP Ihor Mosiychuk and Konotop Mayor Artem Semenikhin, pointed fingers at Artyukh for organizing the ceremony, which they argued made the troops vulnerable to attack.
Calls for Accountability
The situation has sparked intense public outcry. Semenikhin, in a Telegram post, criticized Artyukh for his role in the gathering, even calling him a “scumbag” and accusing him of fleeing the scene in panic during the strike.
This led to a criminal investigation being launched into the organization of the event.
Speculation About Foreign Involvement
In a further twist, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that NATO personnel may have been present at the gathering alongside Ukrainian commanders.
Lavrov claimed that Western military figures were involved in decision-making, particularly in authorizing the use of long-range missiles during the attack.
Artyukh’s Background
Volodymyr Artyukh, born in 1958, is a well-known figure in Ukrainian politics and military affairs.
He gained recognition for his leadership during the Russo-Ukrainian War, particularly in defending Sumy Oblast, which is located on Ukraine’s northeastern border with Russia.
His tenure as head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration has been marked by significant challenges, but this recent controversy has overshadowed his leadership in the region.