Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to dismiss Volodymyr Artyukh from the post of head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration (OVA). This was reported by the publication "Strana" on April 15, 2025, citing its own sources. The resignation followed a high-profile scandal related to the missile strike on Sumy on April 13, which killed 35 people and injured more than 120. The focus was on the information that at the time of the attack, an award ceremony for servicemen of the 117th territorial defense brigade was taking place in the city, which, according to critics, could have provoked the strike. Artyukh, commenting on the situation to "Suspilne", acknowledged the fact of the preparation of the ceremony, but emphasized that he was not its organizer, but was only present by invitation. These words could not soften the public outcry, and the dismissal was a logical result of the growing pressure.

The events in Sumy provoked a sharp reaction from Ukrainian politicians and the public. Konotop Mayor Artem Semenikhin accused Artyukh of negligence, claiming that he had approved the holding of a mass event in the city center despite warnings about the risks. Semenikhin insisted that the actions of the OVA head justified the attack.

The dismissal of Artyukh, who held the post since July 2023, reflects Kyiv’s desire to quickly respond to public demand for justice.