Ukraine Opens Criminal Case Against Russia’s Top General for July 2 Strike on Kyiv.

Criminal Proceedings Initiated Against Valery Gerasimov

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has launched a criminal investigation into Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, accusing him of orchestrating large-scale strikes against civilian targets in Ukraine—including the July 2 attack on Kyiv. He is suspected of involvement in missile and aerial bombardments that caused significant loss of life.

The case was opened on July 2, following a barrage that killed 30 people and injured nearly 100 others. The SBU noted that the attacks involved Shahed/Geran-type drones as well as a range of missiles:

• Kalibr
• Kinzhal
• Tsirkon
• Iskander
• Kh-series missiles

These actions are alleged to violate Articles 51 and 52 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949.

The SBU is conducting the investigation under Part 2 of Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code. In a statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that

“the death toll has risen to 30, with nearly 100 people wounded.”

International Recognition and Consequences

In June 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for both Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, underscoring the international recognition of the gravity of their actions. Questions of accountability loom large, as such attacks on civilian infrastructure carry serious repercussions for both the population and international law.

This case highlights rising tensions in the region and the severe consequences of military operations targeting civilian sites. The initiation of criminal proceedings and the issuance of international arrest warrants represent important steps toward holding those responsible for crimes against humanity accountable—and serve as a signal that aggression against civilians will not be tolerated. These developments not only affect stability in Ukraine but also raise global concern, potentially prompting further action by the international community.