The SSU systemically exposes russian occupiers who committed war crimes against Ukrainian civilian population.

As a result of an investigation, the SSU identified another invader involved in massive artillery strikes on Kherson and murder of civilians.

The identified criminal is the lieutenant colonel Dmitriy Zharkikh, commander of the 8th separate artillery regiment of the 22nd army corps of russia’s Black Sea fleet.

On December 24, 2022, the occupier ordered to fire at downtown Kherson from BM-21 ‘Grad’ multiple rocket launchers, emplaced on the left bank of the Dnipro River.

The ruscists hit residential buildings, shops, a hospital and a humanitarian aid distribution point in Kherson’s central part.

The enemy shelling killed 11 civilians and injured 64. Most of the victims were women and elderly people.

Shortly afterward, Zharkikh was invited to the kremlin to be awarded for terrorizing Ukrainian civilian population.

According to the investigation, the war criminal took an active part in the seizure of Crimea in 2014. Subsequently, his regiment was stationed on the temporarily occupied Ukrainian peninsula.

After the launch of the full-scale invasion, Zharkikh’s units were involved in the warfare on the southern front.

Based on the collected evidence, the SSU notified the russian commander of suspicion under Articles 28.2, 438.2 of the CCU - violation of laws and customs of war.

Comprehensive measures to bring him to justice for crimes against Ukraine are underway.

The SSU Office in Kherson region carried out the investigation under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.