The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in cooperation with the Office of the Prosecutor General, has officially initiated criminal proceedings against the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Valery Gerasimov. The investigative bodies have classified his actions as war crimes.
Allegations of organizing attacks on civilian objects
According to the investigation, the Russian general bears responsibility for organizing massive missile and air attacks directed against Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. In particular, he is accused of involvement in the air attack on Kyiv and the Kyiv region that took place on July 2, 2026. According to official data, this shelling resulted in the deaths of dozens of people.
Scale of weapon use
The SBU emphasizes that the Russian army has systematically used a wide range of precision and mass weapons during these operations. The list of attack means used includes X-type missiles, hypersonic "Kinzhal" and "Zircon" missiles, as well as "Kalibr" cruise missiles and "Iskander" ballistic missiles. In addition, Shahed and "Geran" attack drones are regularly used for strikes.
Responsibility for orders
The investigation has established that it is precisely by the orders of Valery Gerasimov that air strikes on the territory of Ukraine are planned and implemented. As part of the investigation, not only the command but also the executors have been held accountable for committing war crimes: pilots of strategic aviation, crews of missile ships, and crews of ground operational-tactical missile complexes.
Legal classification of actions
The SBU reminds that systematic attacks on civilian objects are a gross violation of the norms of international humanitarian law. In particular, the actions contradict the provisions of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions.
Based on the collected evidence, law enforcement officers are investigating the actions of the head of the Russian General Staff under Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The article provides for liability for violation of the laws and customs of war, including for giving orders to commit such crimes. The pre-trial investigation is continuing under the procedural guidance of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
