The Security Service of Ukraine has collected evidence against russian admiral Serhiy Pinchuk, the commander of the russian Black Sea fleet, for committing a war crime against Ukraine’s civilian population.

The investigation identified that, on 8 July 2024, he organised a targeted strike using 3M-14 Kalibr cruise missiles against a high-rise building in Kyiv.

As a result of the attack, one of the blocks of flats was completely destroyed, and 13 local residents were killed, including five children.

The attack on this civilian target was carried out pursuant to a combat order signed by Pinchuk.

The ruscists used 10 cruise missiles to strike Kyiv, launched from the frigate Admiral Makarov and the submarine B-261 Velikiy Novgorod in the Black Sea.

In doing so, the admiral grossly violated Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.

Based on the evidence gathered, SSU investigators notified Serhiy Pinchuk, in absentia, of his status as a suspect under parts 2 and 4 of Article 438 of the CCU (violation of the laws and customs of war, as set out in international treaties, combined with intentional murder committed by a group, by prior conspiracy).

As the perpetrator is in russia, efforts to bring him and his accomplices to justice for war crimes are underway.

The investigation is carried out by the SSU Office in Kyiv and the Kyiv Region under the procedural supervision of the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.