Ukraine Debunks False Claim About Soldier's Shooting in Borovytsia

A false claim has spread online about a Ukrainian servicemember opening fire in Borovytsia. The story used a manipulated photo and misleading headline to suggest involvement by the 103rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade. Officials have confirmed the information is incorrect.

The incident in question took place on January 26, 2026, in Borovytsia, a village in Ukraine's Cherkasy region. A man fired a weapon there, but he was never identified as a member of Ukraine's military. Instead, authorities later revealed he was a local resident working for Russia's FSB.

The National Police initially reported the shooting but made no mention of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Further investigation showed the man had been recruited by Russian intelligence. His task was to gather details on Ukrainian troop positions and movements.

The false claim resurfaced recently, pairing an old photo with a new headline. The original event involved an FSB agent, not a servicemember, and no connection to the 103rd Brigade was ever established.

The debunked story continues to circulate despite corrections from officials. The man arrested in January was a Russian agent, not a Ukrainian soldier. Authorities have urged the public to verify sources before sharing unverified reports.