DBR has completed an investigation into the former deputy commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet: life imprisonment is threatened.

According to inkorr.com: The State Bureau of Investigations has completed a pre-trial investigation concerning the former deputy commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and four former members of the 'Berkut' unit from Sevastopol. According to the DBR report, the suspects have been charged with organizing cruel treatment of prisoners of war and civilians, treason, as well as illegal possession of firearms and actions aimed at changing the state border of Ukraine, which led to serious consequences.

Actions of the suspects in 2014

'In February-March 2014, the suspects, under the leadership of the deputy commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, actively assisted the occupying authorities of the Russian Federation in Crimea: they organized checkpoints, blocked highways from mainland Ukraine to the peninsula, obstructed the entry of international observers, journalists, and representatives of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. They detained Ukrainian military personnel, Euromaidan activists, and volunteers, subjecting them to physical and psychological violence — beating them, threatening execution, firing shots near their heads, inflicting bodily harm with cold weapons. The detainees were held in captivity at the so-called 'guardhouse' in Sevastopol'

At present, 13 victims have been identified due to the actions of the suspects, but work on identifying other victims and individuals involved in these crimes continues.

Charges and punishment

The defendants are charged under Part 2 of Article 262 (illegal possession of weapons), Part 1 of Article 111 (treason), Part 3 of Article 110 (actions aimed at changing the territory of Ukraine), Part 1 of Article 438 (cruel treatment of prisoners of war) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for penalties of up to life imprisonment.

The pre-trial investigation by the State Bureau of Investigations in the case of the former deputy commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and former 'Berkut' officers has confirmed their involvement in serious violations, particularly in the field of human rights and international law. The process of identifying victims continues, and the defendants face life imprisonment for the crimes committed.

The investigation concerning former military personnel and 'Berkut' officers is an important step in the fight against impunity for crimes committed during the annexation of Crimea. Identifying and punishing the guilty is not only fair for the victims but should also send a signal to others that there will be accountability for atrocities against people. The process of identifying other victims continues, and society hopes for justice in this high-profile case.