The Security Service of Ukraine has gathered evidence against the command of russian armed groupings that carried out shelling of civilian infrastructure in Sumy on 3 June this year.

This was the enemy attack on the central part of the frontline community using BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket systems. To increase the destructive effect, the ruscists used cluster munitions.

As a result of the strike, more than 30 people were killed and seriously injured, including three children. Apartment buildings, a medical facility and other civilian buildings were hit.

The investigation established that colonel Vladimir Shchipitsyn, commander of the 30^th motorised rifle regiment of the 72^nd motorised rifle division of russia’s Leningrad military district, was involved in organising the attack.

He was responsible for planning the strike using rocket artillery.

Shchipitsyn involved his subordinates in the preparation and execution of the shelling:

• chief of staff – first deputy commander of the regiment, lieutenant colonel Vitaly Orlov;
• chief of artillery of the regiment, lieutenant colonel Damir Garnayev.

It has been established that the direct order to open fire on Sumy was given by the commander of the regiment’s rocket artillery battery, captain Dmitry Volobuev.

Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators notified all four individuals of suspicion in absentia under Articles 28.2 and 438.1, 438.2 of the CCU (war crimes resulting in the death of people, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy).

Efforts to bring every war criminal to justice are underway.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Sumy Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.