Ukraine issues charges against five Russian officers who directed missile strike on Lviv

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced in absentia charges against five members of the Russian command who directed the missile strike on Lviv carried in the early hours of September 4, 2024.

That is according to the SBU press center, Ukrinform reports.

The attack targeted civilian infrastructure within a UNESCO World Heritage site – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre of Lviv.

Investigators determined that during the airstrike, the Russian military used two Kinzhal ballistic missiles and one Kh-101 cruise missile.

Overall command of the strike was carried out by Major General Sergey Kuvaldin, Commander of the Russian Air Force's Long-Range Aviation. He involved his first deputy, Colonel Sergey Shevel, in planning the missile strike.

Kuvaldin and Shevel tasked units of Russia's 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, commanded by Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich, with carrying out the attack on civilian targets. Varpakhovich then ordered the strike on Lviv to Colonel Oleg Skitsky, commander of the 121st Heavy Bomber Regiment of the Russian Air Force.

The 44th Separate Special Purpose Aviation Regiment, under another Russian colonel, Denis Akhmadeyev, was also involved in the airstrike.

The investigators have charged the individuals in absentia under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – war crimes committed by a group by prior conspiracy, causing severe consequences.

Comprehensive measures are ongoing to hold the war criminals accountable.