Ukraine investigators are baffled by what inspired a public official to enter a council meeting in a small village and pepper the room with hand grenades.

The deputy, from the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, set off three grenades, injuring at least 26 people.

The wounded, including the perpetrator,  were rushed to hospital.

Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service has started an investigation which is  considering the possibility of terrorism.

Police video shows a man entering the room, standing by the door while uttering a few inaudible words and then tossing three grenades.

Tweet from @31khan_honey

The incident took place on Friday in the village of Keretsky, which is about 40km from the Romanian border.

No details on the man’s motive were given and according to media reports, the deputy is part of the presidential party.

Since the outbreak of fighting between Moscow-backed east Ukrainian separatists and the army in spring 2014, numerous weapons have been circulating in the eastern European country.

The Russian war against Ukraine has only increased the number of weapons in circulation.

-AAP