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Investigators are examining three possible causes of death for the commander of the 154th Mechanised Brigade, including suicide

Investigators are examining three possible causes of death for the commander of the 154th Mechanised Brigade, including suicide

01 July 2026, 12:00

Investigators are examining three possible causes of death for the commander of the 154th Mechanised Brigade, including suicide — Vladimir Kononnikov, Commander of the 154th Mechanised Brigade

Among the theories surrounding the death of Colonel Vladimir Kononnikov, commander of the 154th Separate Mechanised Brigade, who was recently found dead, are murder, suicide and accidental discharge of a weapon.

This was reported by the Specialised Prosecutor’s Office for Defence Affairs in the Eastern Region in a statement to ‘Suspilne’.

They stated that Kononnikov’s body, with a through-and-through gunshot wound to the left temple, was discovered on 28 June 2026 at 7.38 am. He was found in an open area next to a forest strip near one of the settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region; his personal pistol was found beside him.

The scene was examined, and military personnel are currently being questioned. Forensic medical and ballistic examinations have also been ordered, including a post-mortem forensic psychological and psychiatric examination.

On 28 June, the ‘South’ Operational Command reported the death of Colonel Volodymyr Kononnikov, commander of the 154th Separate Mechanised Brigade. They stated that, according to preliminary findings, no signs of violence had been detected.

The Zaporizhzhia Regional Police said that the deceased had sustained a gunshot wound. The case is being investigated under Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – intentional murder.

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