Remains of Soldier Mykhailo-Viktor Stselnikov Identified and Returned
The remains of soldier Mykhailo-Viktor Stselnikov, known by his call sign 'Lemberg', have been returned to Lviv and identified through DNA analysis, confirming his death after being listed as missing in action for three years. This case highlights the immense personal and national tragedies unfolding in Ukraine. Mykhailo-Viktor is the son of Mykhailo Stselnikov, who is currently in custody on suspicion of state treason and plotting the murder of former Verkhovna Rada speaker Andriy Parubiy.
Mykhailo-Viktor Stselnikov served in the intelligence unit of the 3rd Mechanized Battalion of the 93rd Brigade and volunteered for the front following Russia's full-scale invasion. A farewell service will be held on Tuesday, March 3, at 11:00 in the Garrison Temple, with burial planned for 12:00 at the Hill of Glory. Notably, March 3, 2022, was the day he left for war, and now, exactly four years later, he is being laid to rest.
On 03.03.2022, Mykhailo left for the great war. Exactly four years later, on this very date, we are burying him. — Olena Cherninka
The Case Against Mykhailo Stselnikov
While the soldier's remains have been identified, he remains listed in the Ministry of Internal Affairs database for missing persons. Meanwhile, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has gathered evidence indicating state treason by his father, Mykhailo Stselnikov. It is known that over a year ago, the suspect was recruited by Russian special services, which assigned him tasks and received reports.
- He tracked and transmitted the locations of Defense Forces units;
- Attempted to establish the timing and routes of railway fuel shipments;
- Monitored the daily schedule and movement routes of a member of parliament;
- Prepared an escape plan to flee abroad.
Law enforcement detained him in the Khmelnytskyi region. On September 2, the Galician District Court of Lvov ordered Mykhailo Stselnikov to be held in custody. That same day, the Prosecutor General's Office reclassified the suspect's alleged actions.
This situation underscores the complex and tragic circumstances surrounding events both on the front lines and at home during the war in Ukraine. The return of Mykhailo-Viktor Stselnikov's remains, after he was considered missing, evokes deep emotion for his family and society. Simultaneously, the arrest of his father on suspicion of treason reveals the serious nature of threats emerging not only externally but from within the country itself.