Ukrainian Military Aide Killed in Accidental Explosion from Grenade Hidden in Birthday Present

Investigation underway as Ukrainian Major Gennadiy Chastiakov's birthday gift explosion initially considered assassination, now believed to be accident; incident involving live grenades sparks debates on safety and gift practices within the military.

Major Gennadiy Chastiakov, an aide to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian military, was accidentally killed by a grenade hidden in a birthday present.
Chastiakov's son, who was handling the grenade, also sustained serious injuries.
The grenade was initially presented as a 'gift' by a fellow serviceman along with a package containing alcohol and shot glasses shaped like grenades.
Upon investigation, five more unexploded grenades were discovered in Chastiakov's apartment and two similar ones in the office of the serviceman who presented the gift.
The Ukrainian police consider the incident an accident resulting from negligent handling of the ammunition, although a detailed investigation is underway.
Chastiakov, who had been crucial in Ukraine's ongoing fight against Russian invasion, leaves behind his wife and four children.