Captured Ukrainian vessel — Russian captains charged.

Odessa investigators have informed two commanders of Russian ships about suspicion of war crimes. They are accused of illegal capture and cruel treatment of the crew of a Ukrainian humanitarian vessel near Snake Island.

This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.

Details of the case

Born in Sevastopol – a 61-year-old captain of a rescue tugboat and a 48-year-old captain of a reconnaissance ship of the Russian Navy – are involved in the capture of the crew of the Ukrainian civilian ship 'Sapphire'. The vessel belongs to the municipal enterprise 'Maritime Search and Rescue Service' and was used exclusively for humanitarian missions in the maritime zone of Ukraine.

In February 2022, after the artillery shelling of Snake Island by Russian troops, 'Sapphire' arrived to evacuate the wounded and deceased Ukrainian soldiers. There were 21 crew members on board, including a priest and a doctor.

What punishment is threatened

The suspects have been informed about suspicion under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (cruel treatment of civilians and other violations of the laws and customs of warfare committed by a group of persons by prior agreement). They face imprisonment for up to 12 years. Measures are currently being taken to establish the whereabouts and detention of the suspects.

Let us remind you that recently we reported that PACE recognized Russia, North Korea, and Belarus as aggressors. And also about the suspicion of Russian military in the destruction of cultural heritage.