On March 24, a Kyiv court ordered the detention of a suspect in a bombing incident in Bucha, a town in the Kyiv region, which resulted in injuries to two law enforcement officers. The court granted the prosecution’s request to hold the suspect, 21-year-old Bohdan Tymchenko, in custody for 60 days without bail.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution argued that Tymchenko posed a flight risk, citing concerns that he might evade justice. Tymchenko, in his defense, claimed he was under constant pressure from a representative of Russian intelligence services who allegedly threatened him and his family, which deterred him from reporting his actions to Ukrainian authorities.
Tymchenko requested house arrest, stating he needed to care for his grandmother, who has vision problems. The court adjourned to deliberate on the matter before ultimately deciding on his continued detention until May 21.
Details of the Bucha Bombing
In the early hours of March 23, an explosion occurred near a residential building in Bucha, followed by a second blast. Initial investigations suggest that improvised explosive devices were used. Law enforcement arrested Tymchenko nearby, suspecting him of planting the explosives.
The Security Service of Ukraine has initiated a criminal case under Article 258 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to terrorist acts. On March 24, authorities announced that Tymchenko had been formally charged. During a search of his residence, law enforcement also discovered synthetic drugs, leading to considerations for additional charges related to drug possession.
Tymchenko reportedly became involved with an unidentified individual online who offered him money to set up explosive devices, promising 25,000 hryvnias for each explosion. He alleged that this individual threatened him with information regarding his mother’s whereabouts and claimed to be monitoring her using a drone.
According to case materials, Tymchenko was recruited by Russian intelligence services through an online game earlier this year. He communicated with his handler via messaging apps, receiving instructions and funds for the operation. Following these directives, he acquired the necessary materials, constructed two improvised explosive devices, and prepared them for remote detonation.
On March 23, one of the devices detonated near the residential building, damaging the facade, windows, and nearby parked vehicles. The second explosion occurred shortly after law enforcement arrived on the scene, resulting in injuries to two officers.
A Kyiv court has ordered the detention of Bohdan Tymchenko, a suspect linked to a bombing in Bucha that injured two police officers. The investigation reveals connections to Russian intelligence and the use of improvised explosive devices.