Russian Man Arrested for Stabbing Two Ukrainian Men to Death at German Shopping Center

Two Ukrainian men, aged 23 and 36, have been stabbed to death at a shopping center in Murnau, Upper Bavaria, Germany.

A 57-year-old Russian man was arrested by police shortly after the incident on suspicion of murder. The victims were residents of the southern German county of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the deceased were Ukrainian military personnel undergoing medical rehabilitation in Germany. "The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the deaths of its citizens in a statement," according to one summary of the incident.

The motive for the killings is currently unknown, and it is unclear if the three men knew each other. Authorities have stated that the suspect and victims were seen drinking together before the incident, and there is evidence that a significant amount of alcohol was involved. However, officials have said there is no compelling indication that the attack was related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The suspect was found and arrested at his home near the crime scene. The local prosecutor's office has requested his arrest, and a decision on his detention will be made on April 28.

Why this matters: This incident occurs amid the influx of over one million Ukrainian refugees to Germany since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, with Ukrainians becoming the second-largest foreign population in the country after Turkish nationals. Germany has been a key partner in providing military aid and medical treatment to Ukraine during the conflict.

The names of the victims and the suspect have not been released due to German privacy laws. The Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs has instructed the Consular Service Department and the Consulate General in Munich to closely monitor the case. German police are asking witnesses to provide any information about the events leading up to the murders as the investigation continues.

Key Takeaways

• 2 Ukrainian men, aged 23 and 36, stabbed to death in Germany
• 57-year-old Russian man arrested on suspicion of murder
• Victims were Ukrainian military personnel undergoing rehab in Germany
• Motive unknown, no evidence attack was related to Russia-Ukraine war
• Incident amid influx of Ukrainian refugees to Germany since 2022