The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has identified Leonid Ryzhikov, a soldier from the 1009th Motor Rifle Regiment of the 68th Division of the Russian Armed Forces, as responsible for killing five Ukrainian soldiers and one civilian on October 13 near Kharkiv. Ryzhikov reportedly entered Ukrainian-held territory undetected, killing a fisherman before entering a house in Mykhailivka and shooting five soldiers from the 72nd Brigade.

Ryzhikov, a former convict, reportedly walked over 25 km into Ukrainian rear areas. Following the incident, a search operation involving checkpoints and drones was launched. He was apprehended by soldiers from the 72nd Brigade and the "Khartia" brigade near the village of Tsyrkuny, moving away from the front line and towards Kharkiv.