Odessa Prosecutor's Office has announced charges against the Russian admiral for capturing the vessel 'Sapphire': details of the crime.

The Prosecutor's Office of Odessa region reported suspicions of violating the laws and customs of war against the commander of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Armed Forces, Sergey Pinchuk, regarding the facts that occurred during the detention of the Ukrainian vessel 'Sapphire' in 2022. This information was made public by the regional prosecutor's office.

On February 26, 2022, Admiral Sergey Pinchuk issued an order to capture the Ukrainian vessel that was on a humanitarian mission. Despite the peaceful objectives of the crew, Russian ships showed force and detained 'Sapphire'. As a result of these actions, the subject took people to the occupied Snake Island and then to Crimea and from there to Russia, where they were held for some time.

Details of the case

The commander faces a sentence of 8 to 12 years in prison for violating the laws and customs of war in conspiracy with a group of individuals. Previously, suspicions were also raised against the commanders of other ships involved in these events, as well as discussions about recognizing Russia, North Korea, and Belarus as aggressors.

What punishment is threatened

The Ukrainian prosecutor's office revealed facts of violations of the laws and customs of war by the commander of the Russian fleet for detaining the Ukrainian vessel 'Sapphire'. An investigation has been conducted, under which a sentence of 8 to 12 years of imprisonment may be applied for these actions.