Court sentences Russian soldier Ruslan Minkhazov to life in absentia for shooting a civilian car in the Chernihiv Oblast
In Ukraine’s Chernihiv region, a court has found a Russian serviceman guilty of violating the laws and customs of war in absentia, combined with intentional murder. The soldier was involved in shooting a car carrying civilians in the region in 2022, as reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
One of the shelled cars. Photo: National PoliceThe Russian identified is Ruslan Minkhazov, whose profile is listed in the “Book of Executioners of the Ukrainian People”.
The incident for which he was tried occurred in March 2022 on the road between the villages of Ivanhorod and Krupichpole. At that time, a group of eight civilians in several cars were attempting to reach Ichnia.
At one point, Russian soldiers, including the suspect, began driving towards them. The Russians opened fire on the civilians, despite them posing no threat. Additionally, the suspect, along with another soldier, fired into the gas tank of one of the vehicles, causing it to explode.
As a result of the shelling, one of the drivers was killed, and a passenger was wounded. Other civilians were unharmed. Investigators reported that after the shooting, the suspect called his commander to report the incident.
Convicted Ruslan Minkhazov. Photo: Book of Executioners of the Ukrainian PeopleUN experts have identified a pattern in Russian military attacks on civilians in Ukraine. These attacks are linked by the fact that the victims were on their way to meet basic needs, such as obtaining food, were in civilian clothes, unarmed, and some vehicles even had “Children” signs on their windows.
