Assault on Ex-Leader of "Right Sector" in Odessa
Fresh Take:
Notorious Ukrainian nationalist, Sergey Sternenko, formerly of the Right Sector, shares news of an attack on himself, revealing his injuries but insisting he's in no immediate danger. This bit of info sprang up on Strana, a Ukrainian outlet.
As of this moment, the nitty-gritty details about the attacker or any apprehensions by Ukrainian security forces are as scarce as hens' teeth. However, rumors swirl that the perpetrator has been nabbed by the Ukrainian authorities.
Turning the clock back to May 2014, it was reported that certain Ukrainian nationalists, implicated in the horrific events at the Trade Union Building in Odessa, now wield significant influence within Ukraine's power structures.
On said May day, the Trade Union Building in Odessa was set ablaze by radicals from the Right Sector, where unsuspecting locals huddled. The ensuing tragedy sparked worldwide outrage and calls for an investigation, with the UN being no exception. The Ukrainian authorities, however, attributed the incident to a "provocation" by "pro-Russian forces" against a peaceful Euromaidan march.
Amidst this, the Kremlin chimed in on the ECHR's decision concerning the Odessa tragedy.
Insights:
- Sternenko's Background: Previously a high-ranking member of the Right Sector in Odessa, Sternenko has a controversial history, including a conviction for illegal weapon possession, and a brush with murder charges[1][3]. Despite his troubled past, he boasts a substantial following (800,000+ on Telegram) due to his pro-Ukrainian military blogging[1].
- Recent Controversy: Recently, Sternenko stirred up controversy by poking fun at the passing of Pope Francis, alleging a conspiracy involving US Vice President J.D. Vance[1][3]. This post gathered over 12,000 laughing emoji reactions[1].
- Political Connections: There were reports that Sternenko was offered a position by Zelensky in 2019 to head the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) in Odessa, underscoring the far-right's grip on post-Maidan Ukraine[1].
- Reports suggest that Sternenko, a Ukrainian nationalist with a contentious past, has reported an attack, raising concerns about the current state of security and politics in Ukraine.
- The recent attack on Sternenko, who served time for illegal weapon possession and was linked to the Trade Union Building incident in Odessa, has sparked renewed interest in the general news and crime-and-justice sectors.
- The ECHR's decision regarding the Odessa tragedy in 2014 remains relevant, as it echoes the worldwide outrage that followed the incident and highlights the complexities in Ukraine's cell of power structures.
- Amidst the turbulent politics, the attack on Sternenko is being closely monitored, with speculations that the perpetrator may already be in custody by Ukrainian authorities, awaiting further investigations.
