The SSU has collected evidence against the current commander of the Black Sea fleet of the russian navy, vice admiral Viktor Sokolov, who is involved in massive strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine.

Since August 10, 2022, Sokolov has personally ordered regular combat launches of 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

These enemy strikes killed 4 civilians and injured 40.

According to the investigation, the aggressor carried out air attacks on energy facilities in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipropetrovsk, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Chernivtsi, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts.

The investigation also found that the russian attacks had caused significant losses to the national life support system of Ukraine’s civilian population.

The strikes led to temporary suspension of dozens of local educational facilities, hospitals and other social institutions.

Based on the evidence collected, the SSU notified Sokolov of suspicion under several Articles of the CCU:

• 28.2, 438.1; 28.2, 438.2 (violation of laws and customs of war committed by a group of persons, upon prior conspiracy);
• 110.3 (encroachment on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and inviolability);
• 28.2, 437.2 (planning, preparation, unleashing and waging of aggressive war committed by a group of persons, upon prior conspiracy).

The SSU is acting to bring the suspect to justice for crimes against Ukraine.

Sokolov is facing life imprisonment.

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