Two Russian Tank Commanders Who Fired at Houses in Kharkiv Region Have Been Identified

Security Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv Oblast has identified two people who fired artillery shells at civilian objects during the temporary seizure of part of Kharkiv region, the spokesman for the SSU Office in Kharkiv region Vladyslav Abdula said.

Investigators have established the identity and circumstances of the crime. The war criminals were 20-year-old Russian servicemen: tank gunner-operator Yuriy Zaporozhsky and his commander Nikita Khlystov.

According to the SSU, the Russian servicemen of the 138th Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces crossed the state border of Ukraine on February 24 as part of their military unit. Later, being part of the Russian army forces, they were directly involved in the seizure of settlements in Kharkiv region.

Law enforcement officers recorded that on April 29, 2022, following the order of his commander, the tank gunner-operator fired at least four direct shots at private houses in the village of Verkhnia Rohanka, Kharkiv region, which was not a military target but instead was inhabited only by civilians.

Two private houses and civilian infrastructure were destroyed due to the direct hit. After their homes were damaged, the families had to evacuate to other settlements.

Based on the information gathered, the SSU investigators served the suspicion notices in absentia for the Russians under Part 2 Article 28 and Part 1 Article 438 (violation of the laws and customs of war committed by a group of persons) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Comprehensive measures are being taken to establish their whereabouts and bring them to justice for crimes against Ukraine.

See also

• Russian intelligence network exposed in Kharkiv for leaking data on the Ukrainian military. Locals provided the Russian Federal Security Service with information via Telegram, and the occupiers then used it to prepare and conduct massive missile attacks on Kharkiv using Russian Smerch and Uragan multiple-launch rocket systems.
• Law enforcement identifies two Russian military looters. The suspected grenade launchers of the howitzer-artillery division were on contract service during the occupation. While serving in Izyum, they stole almost 2 kilograms of gold from a well-known Ukrainian jewellery store in late April 2022.