Two Russian commanders receive notices of suspicion in absentia over strikes on Okhmatdyt and Reuters journalists in 2024
Two Russian military personnel have been served notices of suspicion in absentia for violating the laws and customs of war combined with intentional murder, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported. They are accused of involvement in Russian strikes on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital and journalists of the Reuters news agency in July and August 2024.
Suspects Aleksandr Lutovinov and Nikolai VarpakhovichThe suspects are Russian Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich, commander of the 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division of the Russian Armed Forces, and Aleksandr Lutovinov, commander of the missile brigade of the 49th Combined Arms Army of the Russian Southern Military District.
Varpakhovich ordered a Kh-101 cruise missile strike from a Tu-95MS aircraft on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv on 8 July 2024, investigators said. As a result, two people were killed, including doctor Svitlana Lukianchyk, dozens of people were injured, and extensive damage was caused. Later, an injured eight-year-old boy died in intensive care.
“The missile destroyed the toxicology building and damaged four other buildings where surgical operations were performed and children with cancer were treated,” the SBU reported.
Lutovinov organised a missile strike on the Sapfir hotel complex in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Region (Oblast), on 24 August 2024, investigators said. The strike killed 38-year-old Reuters safety adviser Ryan Evans.
Strikes on hotels where journalists stay may be a Russian strategy, analysts believe.
If convicted, the suspects could face life imprisonment.
Another Russian soldier, Adam Boisuev, was served a notice of suspicion in absentia in a case concerning the rape of a minor in the Kherson Oblast.
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