Ukraine’s SBU charges Russian admiral over 2022 strike on power plant PHOTO

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced in absentia that it has formally charged Russian Rear Admiral Vladimir Kuzmin, alleging his involvement in a strike on the Prydniprovska Thermal Power Plant in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region in October 2022.

According to the SBU, Kuzmin, formerly the commander of the 30th Surface Ship Division of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, was responsible for ordering a targeted missile strike using Kalibr-NK cruise missiles.

Investigators claim the attack was carried out from the frigate Admiral Makarov, which was operating in the Black Sea at the time.

The strike allegedly aimed to disrupt electricity supplies in the city of Dnipro, affecting residential areas as well as critical infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.

The SBU further stated that following the operation, Kuzmin was promoted by Russian authorities to the rank of rear admiral.

He has been notified in absentia of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which covers war crimes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev