The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has officially initiated criminal proceedings against Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, for orchestrating war crimes, as reported by the agency. This move marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s legal efforts to hold the highest echelons of the Russian military leadership accountable for the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Gerasimov is directly implicated in directing the massive air and missile attacks that have plagued Ukraine, most notably the devastating strikes on July 2nd. Investigations indicate that he is personally responsible for ordering the use of high-precision weapons, including Kinzhal, Kalibr, and Iskander missiles, as well as Shahed-type suicide drones, against non-military targets. Such actions constitute a flagrant violation of Article 51 and 52 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which strictly prohibit attacks on civilian populations.
Under Ukrainian law, the SBU is investigating these actions under Article 438, which pertains to the violation of the laws and customs of war. The evidence collected is being meticulously documented for international courts, ensuring that individuals like Gerasimov cannot evade justice. The recent strikes on Kyiv, which left dozens dead and nearly 100 injured, have only served to reinforce the necessity of these legal actions.
Despite attempts by the Kremlin to threaten further pressure on Kyiv, Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law. The systemic nature of these attacks underscores that they are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate strategy of terror. By documenting these atrocities, Ukraine is building a narrative that the international community can no longer ignore. The pursuit of justice for these war crimes is critical, as it sends a clear message that those who command the destruction of cities will eventually face the consequences of their actions in a court of law. The international legal community now has another concrete case demonstrating the culpability of Russian leadership in the ongoing war.