Investigators are considering three main theories regarding the death of Brigade Commander Kononnikov

In the case of the death of Vladimir Kononnikov, commander of the 154th Separate Mechanized Brigade (military unit A4962) Vladimir Kononnikov in the Zaporizhzhia region, law enforcement officials are considering three main theories: intentional homicide, suicide, and negligent handling of a firearm. 

The colonel’s body, with a through-and-through gunshot wound to the left temple, was discovered on June 28, 2026, at 7:38 a.m. in an open area near a forest strip close to one of the settlements in Zaporizhzhia. Law enforcement officers found the deceased officer’s personal pistol next to his body.

The investigative team has already conducted a detailed examination of the crime scene, and interrogations of the brigade’s servicemen are currently underway. To establish all the circumstances of the tragedy, a series of forensic medical and ballistic examinations has been ordered, and a posthumous forensic psychological and psychiatric examination is also planned. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing under the procedural supervision of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Defense Affairs in the Eastern Region.

This was reported by Suspilne, citing the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Defense in the Eastern Region.

On Sunday, June 28, Colonel Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Kononnikov, commander of the 154th Separate Mechanized Brigade, was found deceased. This was officially reported by the “South” Operational Command.

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