Ukraine opens war crimes case against Russian military chief PHOTO

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and the Office of the Prosecutor General have opened a criminal investigation into alleged war crimes by Valery Gerasimov.

In a post on Facebook, the SBU said investigators allege that the Russian general was involved in organising large-scale missile and air strikes against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports.

The investigation also concerns Gerasimov's alleged responsibility for the aerial attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region on July 2, 2026, which Ukrainian authorities say killed dozens of people.

The agency noted that the Russian military has regularly used Kh-series, Kinzhal, Kalibr, Iskander and Zircon missiles, as well as Shahed/Geran attack drones, in strikes on Ukraine.

According to the investigation, air strikes on Ukrainian territory are planned and carried out on Gerasimov's orders, with the involvement of strategic aviation, missile-carrying naval vessels and ground-based tactical missile systems.

Based on the evidence collected, investigators are examining Gerasimov's actions under Ukraine's law on violations of the laws and customs of war, including allegations that he ordered the commission of such crimes.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov