The SSU has collected evidence against Yuriy Velikoklad, sanctioned CEO of the russian airline 223^rd flight detachment belonging to the russian ministry of defence.

The official provided aircraft for the transfer of russian servicemen and weapons from the Middle East and Africa to the war in Ukraine.

According to the available information, Velikoklad organized the transfer of the Shahed-type kamikaze drones from Iran to the Ukrainian border, which the aggressor used to attack Sumy on 3 July this year.

The enemy then struck two multi-storey residential buildings and an administrative building in the city centre. The attack resulted in civilian casualties.

The investigation established that the Iranian drones had been transported to russia aboard an Il-76 military transport aircraft from Velikoklad’s airline fleet.

In addition, in late 2022 and early 2023, the official provided aircraft for transfer of the russian PMC Wagner units from Africa to the war in Ukraine.

Later, the militants were transported to Bakhmut area to storm the Ukrainian city.

To carry out the flights, the militants’ leadership concluded agreements with Velikoklad’s airline and transferred money to its accounts.

It has been documented that Wagner mercenaries had spent RUB 56 mln for 8 international flights.

The PMC used controlled commercial entities outside russia to disguise contacts with the 223^rd flight detachment.

Based on the collected evidence, SSU investigators notified Velikoklad of suspicion under Articles 27.5 and 437.2 of the CCU (planning, preparation, unleashing and conducting aggressive war).

The suspect is in russia; comprehensive efforts are underway to bring him to justice for crimes against Ukraine.

The investigation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.