The Security Service has identified five more Russian military personnel who committed war crimes against civilians during the occupation of Sumy region. These are servicemen of the 423rd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 4th Tank Division of the 1st Tank Army of the Western Military District of the Armed Forces of Russia:
Senior Lieutenant Oleksiy Ryzhkovych - commander of the 2nd Motorized Rifle Company of the 1st Motorized Rifle Battalion;
Lieutenant Maksym Volchek - commander of the 3rd Motorized Rifle Company of the 1st Motorized Rifle Battalion;
Sergeant Rustam Irzaev - commander of a platoon of the 1st Motorized Rifle Battalion;
Private Petro Ilyushin - deputy commander of a combat vehicle, gunner-operator of the 1st Motorized Rifle Battalion;
Private Vadym Mitin - tank commander in the tank battalion.
In February-March 2022, they participated in the capture of the Okhtyrka district of Sumy region, including the city of Trostianets. During the occupation of the settlement, all five individuals were part of Russian "punitive groups" that abducted and tortured local residents. The Russians transported the victims to a torture chamber set up in the basement of a captured local elevator.
Tortures were applied to people - they were beaten while tied up, and then left barely conscious on the cold floor for a long time without food or water.
Volchek, in particular, displayed particular cruelty. During beatings of victims, he simulated their execution. For this, the Russian command awarded him the "Suvorov Medal," which he received after the invaders fled Sumy region. It is also documented that Irzaev beat a bound man with a stick, whom they abducted right in the middle of the street, and promised to "break all his bones." In this way, the Russian military tried to force the victims to collaborate with the aggressor. However, they failed to do so.
Currently, the Security Service investigators have informed all five individuals of the indictment in absentia under Part 2 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war committed by a premeditated group). Comprehensive measures are being taken to bring Russian war criminals to justice. Each of them will be found and punished.
The investigation was conducted by the SSU employees in Sumy region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office.
