[54581] Sparked controversy: The "Poltava Arsonist" who was recruited to the IDF has left his unit and threatens to attack a recruitment center

Drama surrounding the desertion of the "Poltava Arsonist"

Extensive reports on social media in Ukraine, led by the Труха⚡️Україна channel, indicate that Vitaliy Chepurko, known to the public as the "Poltava Arsonist," has left the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AWOL - desertion) and is threatening to set fire to the local recruitment center (TCC). Chepurko, who was drafted last January after gaining fame for previous arson incidents, has sparked a wave of reactions in various media outlets and Telegram channels.

According to Женьок Вещає…, Chepurko even expressed his intentions in the public sphere, which led to heated reactions from bloggers and news channels. Channels such as Times of Ukraine and Україна Online confirmed the news of his desertion and the threats he made, using quotes attributing statements to him such as "Nravitsya, kak gorit" (I like how it burns), a phrase also quoted by ГНАП.

While most reports focus on the incident itself and the risk posed by the threats against military institutions, Україна⚡️Новини⚡️Війна notes that at the same time, law enforcement authorities in Poltava are working to capture him. These sources note that the man is known to the police from previous criminal arson incidents, and that there is a real fear of him carrying out the threats against the recruitment offices in the city.