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Three Russian Commanders Charged for Killing 20 in Chernihiv During 2022 Blockade
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
A case involving three Russian commanders, who are implicated in the deaths of 20 people in Chernihiv, has been referred to court.
This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General on December 4.
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The incident occurred during the blockade of Chernihiv in 2022. According to the investigation, on the morning of March 16, 2022, the Russian forces issued orders for their units to fire on the civilian population and civilian infrastructure with Grad multiple rocket launchers (MLRS).
At the time, local residents were gathered near a store to buy food. The attack resulted in 20 fatalities and 28 people wounded to varying degrees. The strike also caused significant damage to the store, residential buildings, and other civilian infrastructure.
Prosecutors point out that there were no military targets near the strike zone, which suggests the attack was deliberately aimed at civilians, with the purpose of intimidation and terror.
In July 2025, law enforcement authorities announced that suspects had been identified: the commander of a motorized rifle brigade from the Russian Central Military District and two subordinate commanders of battalion tactical groups. According to the investigation, they were the ones responsible for carrying out the strike on Chernihiv's residential area.
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The accused face charges of violating the laws and customs of war, accompanied by premeditated murder, committed by a group of people in conspiracy, which carries a life sentence.
Earlier, Ukraine's Security Service informed a Russian individual, known by the nickname "Doctor Evil," that he is suspected of committing war crimes against Ukrainian prisoners.
The individual, Illya Sorokin, worked as a paramedic in the medical unit at Penal Colony No. 10 in Russia’s Mordovia region. Investigators claim that he mistreated injured Ukrainian soldiers held at the facility. He earned a notorious reputation within the prison due to his violent behavior toward the wounded prisoners of war. Detainees reportedly gave him the nickname “Doctor Evil” due to the frequent incidents of abuse.
