The Kyiv Regional Police have detained a former football player following an altercation in which he allegedly assaulted a military officer. While the police did not disclose the suspect’s name, sources indicate that he is Danilo Kolesnyk, a former player for FC Kolos-2.
The incident occurred in the Bucha district when Kolesnyk reportedly struck a Territorial Defense officer in the face during a confrontation. The officer was performing his duties at the time. Authorities indicated that the suspect could face up to five years in prison for his actions.
According to police reports, Kolesnyk approached military personnel who were checking military registration documents in the village of Sviatopetrivske and instigated a conflict. Following this, he deliberately punched the officer, resulting in injuries.
Law enforcement officials quickly identified Kolesnyk and arrested him. The football club he was associated with announced his termination shortly after the incident. “The 24-year-old suspect has been detained… The club leadership decided to release him following the incident,” police stated.
Investigators have initiated a pre-trial investigation into the case, focusing on charges of intentional bodily harm, which could range from minor to moderate severity.
Footage of the altercation circulated on social media, showing Kolesnyk striking the military officer after a dispute. The former athlete has not publicly commented on the incident or his subsequent arrest.
On February 17, FC Kolos issued an apology for the incident, announcing that Kolesnyk had been suspended from training and would be released from the team that same day.
The Kyiv Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support condemned Kolesnyk’s actions, suggesting that he should consider enlisting for military service. They stated, “The football player seemed to believe that because he has not yet reached conscription age, he could act with impunity, even assaulting military personnel who are fulfilling critical duties in bolstering the army.” They further criticized Kolesnyk for boasting about the incident on his Instagram account while living a carefree lifestyle.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, a state of martial law has been in effect, with general mobilization measures ongoing. The Ukrainian Parliament has been extending these measures every three months.
Reports of conflicts between Territorial Defense Center staff and civilians have become increasingly common in Ukraine, often exacerbated by the rapid spread of negative information about mobilization on social media. Ukrainian military officials and government representatives have attributed these incidents to Russian information and psychological operations.
A former football player has been arrested for assaulting a military officer during a conflict in Kyiv. The incident has sparked discussions about military service and public conduct amid ongoing mobilization efforts in Ukraine.