The SSU and the Prosecutor’s Office have collected evidence of war crimes committed by russian colonel-general Yevheniy Nikiforov, commander of the ‘West’ grouping of the russian armed forces.

On his order, the occupiers launched a missile attack on Taras Shevchenko Chernihiv Regional Academic Music and Drama Theatre on 19 August 2023.

For the strike, the enemy used an Iskander-M cruise missile, which was launched from Kursk region, russia.

The attack killed seven local residents, including a six-year-old child. Over 200 other people sustained injuries of varying severity.

The large number of deaths and injuries was due to the fact that the russians hit the center of the city.

In addition, the explosion damaged apartment blocks, administrative buildings and cars.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators notified Nikiforov of suspicion in absentia under Article 438.2 of the CCU (violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder).

Efforts are underway to bring the russian commander to justice for his crimes against our country.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in Chernihiv region under the procedural supervision of Chernihiv Region Prosecutor’s Office.