The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has gathered evidence against the Russian military command responsible for the airstrike on the civilian infrastructure of Kharkiv on May 25, 2024.
On that day, Russian forces dropped two guided bombs on a construction hypermarket in the regional center.
As a result of the Russian forces' attack, 19 local residents were killed, and 46 others were wounded to varying degrees. The building of the commercial establishment, including the warehouse sections, was completely destroyed.
It has been established that the order to carry out the airstrike on Kharkiv was given by the commander of the "North" group of Russian Armed Forces, Colonel-General Oleksandr Lapin.
Subsequently, the chief of staff of this group, Lieutenant-General Valerii Solodchuk, organized the preparation of the air attack plan.
In addition, three subordinates of Lapin were involved in planning and executing the Russian bombing:
- Commander of the 6th Air Force and Air Defense Army, Lieutenant-General Oleh Makovetsky;
- Chief of staff of the 6th Air Force Army of Russia, Major-General Yurii Podoplelov;
- Commander of the 47th Bomber Aviation Regiment, Colonel Oleksii Loboda.
To carry out the attack, the Russian forces deployed Su-34 bombers, which launched three UMPB D-30SN air bombs at the Kharkiv hypermarket.
Two of the bombs hit the building, while one fell nearby and did not explode.
Based on the collected evidence, the SSU investigators have informed all five individuals of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violating the laws and customs of war, resulting in deaths, committed by a group of persons in conspiracy).
Comprehensive measures are ongoing to hold the Russian war criminals accountable.
The investigation was carried out by SSU personnel in the Kharkiv region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office.
