Russia Strikes Memorial Run in Kharkiv Region With Iskander-M Missile, Killing Three
Three people were killed and two others injured when Russia struck a memorial running event in the village of Natalyne in Kharkiv region on August 29. Ukrainian authorities say the attack was carried out with an Iskander-M ballistic missile, while investigators have opened a separate case over possible negligence in organizing the event.
Russian Missile Hits Memorial Run in Kharkiv Region
The strike happened at about 9:30 a.m. on August 29 in Natalyne, Berestyn district, where the annual “I Honor Warriors, I Run for the Heroes of Ukraine” memorial run was taking place.
According to the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office, the preliminary investigation indicates that Russian forces used an Iskander-M ballistic missile. Three people were killed in the attack.
Two More People Were Injured
The Kharkiv Regional Military Administration reported that a 42-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman were injured in Natalyne.
The strike also damaged two warehouses, two apartment buildings, a garage and a vehicle, according to regional authorities.
Police Officer Among Those Killed
One of the victims was 31-year-old police officer Oleksii Zahvazdin, a senior lieutenant who served as a community police officer in the Natalyne area.
He had joined the National Police in 2019 and had previously worked in logistics, investigative and prevention units. He is survived by his wife, mother and sister.
The Run Was Dedicated to Fallen Ukrainian Defenders
The event was part of the annual nationwide memorial initiative “I Honor Warriors, I Run for the Heroes of Ukraine.”
The run is held around Ukraine’s Day of Remembrance of Defenders on August 29 and is dedicated to servicemen who died defending the country.
The Natalyne event was organized by the Natalyne Village Military Administration.
Investigation Into the Organization of the Event
Ukrainian investigators have launched a separate criminal proceeding concerning the circumstances under which the run was organized.
On August 30, information was entered into the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations under Part 3 of Article 367 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, concerning official negligence that resulted in deaths.
Investigators will examine whether officials responsible for the event properly assessed the security situation in the region and took sufficient measures to protect participants.
The investigation does not itself establish criminal responsibility of any particular official.
Authorities Have Not Confirmed That the Event Was Deliberately Targeted
Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that the missile struck the area where the memorial run was taking place.
However, there is currently no official confirmation that Russian forces specifically selected the event as their target or had prior information about its location and schedule.
The circumstances of the strike remain under investigation.
