Ukrainian Border Guard Found Dead Near Poland

This was located on Tuesday morning in Rivne, a village in Volyn province, just off a border post known as Rivne-32. The man, a sergeant major in his mid 30's, served in the Lutsk border detachment. Reports stated that he was located with a gunshot wound to the head, and a weapon was located in his hand. 

Details of the Find
According to officials, the body was located around 11:00 a.m. As soon as the body was located, medics and police ended up on scene. The scene gained the attention of the medics as well as police who were also nearby. Andriy Demchenko, a spokesman for Ukraine's border guard service, indicated the man's death and stated, "Medics and police quickly arrived on scene." 

An autopsy indicated a cause of death to the gunshot wound to the head and authorities indicated the weapon was in the man's hand at the time of discovery, and could be the main subject of the investigation. What led to him being shot was not fully understood; and there are alternative routes that led to the shooting.

The Investigation Begins
Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has launched a pre-trial investigation. The SBI have announced investigators are looking into several lines of inquiry, including but not limited to, suicide. At this point none of the lines have been ruled out.

The SBI have explained the initial processes of inquiry: "The preserve has been attended, potential witnesses have been spoken to, and items of evidential significance have been seized." Interestingly, authorities confirmed the forensic medical exam and the weapons examination to confirm that the weapon at the scene was indeed the weapon that created the fatal injury.

This approach indicates they think they understand the gravity of the case and now need to identify whether the death was self-harming, accidental, or a deliberate act of violence.

Questions Raised about Procedures of the Border Service
Moreover, there will be questions raised about the functioning of the border service itself as suggestions are made that it procedures are not followed. For an organization which is responsible for guarding a country's border, the gap of procedures can be ominous.

Border guards arguably have the hardest job out of the law enforcement services and they are often working extended hours in demanding jobs, often progressively stressful situations, when they must react quickly and often respond to the anticipated tensions crossing the border will create; all of which will contribute to some mental health difficulties, which some indicate may relate to this case.

Authorities did not relay if the man showed any signs of distress or pressure prior to his death, but one could be reasonable in suggesting, primed on his position as the assistant to the head of logistics of the Lutsk border detachment, he was likely carrying some degree of responsibility.

The Human Aspect
As the authorities investigate the case, the death of the border guard, puts into consideration the human effect. For the colleagues and members of the service who found the body of a colleague in this manner, it must be distressing. For the family and loved ones of the deceased, the unresolved question of how this transpired will not assuage their grieving.

They are for the most part, perceived positively, as by virtue of their functions, border guards afford the residents of Ukraine some sense of relief that we are protected from unwanted bad behaviour which can often take place across the borders of Ukraine. For other officers and the general public, the passing of an officer and colleague, particularly under certain ambiguities in relation to a tragic event, introduces very human element to a role that exists almost solely on duty.

Establishing the Facts
The SBI confirmed they are creating and ruling out everything and are open to everything. By using forensic evidence, speaking to witnesses, and examining the weapon, investigators can produce a reasonable and factual version of events. Until a case has been investigated, there will be speculation and the public will continue to follow what will be viewed as a high profile case.

Regional media reported that the deceased was dedicated to support logistics for the Lutsk border detachment. The deceased's role was vital to supporting operations along the western border. Although it's devastating for the individual and family, it only removes one valuable member to the Unit who only acts as a support role; with significant impact for the regular operations of the service.