Russian lieutenant general is suspected of bombing Mariupol
19 August 15:57
Prosecutors of the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office have served a notice of suspicion to a lieutenant general of the Russian Federation Armed Forces who approved air strikes on Mariupol in March 2022.
This was announced by Prosecutor General of Ukraine Ruslan Kravchenko, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The essence of the suspicion:
- With the approval of this military official, enemy aircraft attacked the city, which led to massive civilian casualties.
- This is a violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder – it qualifies as a war crime that has no statute of limitations.
Crimes that have become symbols of tragedy:
- The bombing of a drama theater, where hundreds of civilians were killed, despite the sign “Children” in front of the entrance.
- An air strike on a maternity ward where women in labor and babies were staying.
- The destruction of dozens of residential buildings, hospitals, and schools – targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Context:
- In July 2023, Ukraine already served in absentia a notice of suspicion to another Russian general, the commander of the 4th Red Banner Air Force and Air Defense Army of the Southern Military District of the Russian Federation, who ordered strikes on civilian objects in Mariupol.
These actions are part of a systematic effort by Ukrainian law enforcement to document and bring to justice those responsible for war crimes.
The bombing of Mariupol is one of the worst episodes of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, which has become a symbol of war crimes and human tragedies.
Key facts:
- Date of the attacks: March 2022
- Scale: the city was subjected to massive air strikes, artillery shelling and blockade
- Targets: residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, critical infrastructure facilities
The most high-profile crimes:
- Bombing of a drama theater
on March 16, 2022, Russian aircraft destroyed a theater where hundreds of civilians were hiding.
▸ There was a sign in front of the entrance that said “Children”, but this did not stop the attack.
dozens, probably hundreds of people were killed. - Air strike on a maternity hospital
the strike on the medical facility, where mothers and babies were being treated, caused international outrage.
photos of wounded pregnant women were circulated around the world. - Systematic destruction of infrastructure
dozens of residential buildings, hospitals, and schools were destroyed.
the city was virtually isolated – without water, electricity, communications.
Legal consequences:
- In August 2025, a lieutenant general of the Russian Armed Forces was notified of suspicion for approving air strikes on Mariupol.
▸ He is charged with violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder, a crime that has no statute of limitations. - Earlier, in 2023, the commander of the 4th Army of the Russian Air Force, who ordered attacks on civilian targets, was notified of suspicion in absentia.
Symbol of resistance:
Mariupol has become a symbol of the indomitable nature of the Ukrainian military and civilians. The defense of the city lasted 86 days, after which, on the orders of the command, the defenders left the Azovstal plant to take prisoners to save their lives.
