Ukraine Detains Viral 'Poltava Arsonist' Chepurko Over Terror Threats

Military Police Apprehend AWOL Soldier

According to Главком: Law enforcement from the Poltava zonal branch of the Military Law Enforcement Service, working alongside the National Police, have detained a serviceman who abandoned his unit without authorization and threatened to carry out a terrorist act. The individual in custody is the subject of widely circulated videos and is known in the media as the 'Poltava arsonist,' a reference to his alleged acts of setting fires.

The arrest followed a series of public calls and threats the man made on social media, where he advocated violence against fellow military personnel. The detainee has been identified as Vitaliy Chepurko, who previously stated he had voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His video statements from a training center gained massive online traction, and his catchphrase 'I like how it burns' turned into an internet meme.

Next Steps for Authorities

Following his detention, Chepurko was taken to a Military Law Enforcement unit, where officials informed him of his legal rights and the penalties for desertion under martial law. Case materials are being prepared for transfer to pre-trial investigation bodies, and the State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the collected evidence.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of how social media can become a platform for spreading dangerous and destructive ideas that threaten public safety. Chepurko's arrest underscores the importance of rapid law enforcement action in responding to potential threats during an active military conflict. At the same time, the situation raises serious concerns about the psychological well-being of soldiers and the critical need for mental health support amid the high-stress environment of war.