Ukrainian soldier detained after shooting dead two fellow servicemen

A Ukrainian serviceman has been detained after shooting dead two fellow soldiers during an alcohol-fuelled altercation in the southern Mykolaiv region, regional police said.

According to authorities, the incident occurred while a group of servicemen were drinking alcohol together. Police said a verbal dispute broke out between the men before a 35-year-old soldier opened fire with an automatic weapon, Caliber.Az reports.

“The men died at the scene,” the regional police department said in a statement.

The suspect was detained shortly after the shooting and is now facing criminal charges. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment under Ukrainian law.

Police said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli