Russian General Charged in Absentia by Ukraine for Kramatorsk Missile Strike.

Accusation Against a Russian General

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine's Security Service, working alongside the prosecutor's office, has filed charges in absentia against Russian Colonel-General Sergey Kuzovlev. He is accused of orchestrating a missile attack on Kramatorsk in June 2023. The assault killed 13 civilians and left 56 others wounded with varying degrees of injury.

Details of the Missile Bombardment

The missile strike on Kramatorsk involved two 'Iskander-K' missiles launched from Russia's Rostov region. This attack caused extensive damage:

• over 120 private homes were destroyed or damaged,
• four educational institutions were hit,
• more than ten vehicles were wrecked.

At the time of the strike, Sergey Kuzovlev served as commander of the Southern Military District of the Russian Armed Forces.

Kuzovlev is charged with violating the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder, under Article 438, Part 2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. In a related case, a local resident who was recruited and convicted has received a life sentence with asset forfeiture. Additionally, criminal proceedings have been initiated against Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, in connection with these events.

This development is part of Ukraine's broader effort to hold those responsible for war crimes committed during the conflict accountable. Naming Sergey Kuzovlev as a suspect in such crimes could have serious repercussions for the Russian military command and underscores Ukraine's commitment to protecting its citizens and pursuing justice. Observers also note that ongoing criminal cases against senior Russian officials may shape international perceptions of the conflict and bolster Ukraine's efforts to secure support from global partners in countering aggression.