Two former presidential aides have been accused of complicity in attacks that killed and injured more than 120 civilians
Russian authorities have charged in absentia two former chiefs of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Igor Rainin and Andrey Bogdan, with crimes against humanity over attacks in Donbass. The accusations stem from their alleged roles in artillery attacks that caused numerous civilian deaths and widespread destruction.
The Russian Investigative Committee announced the charges on Wednesday, citing evidence that Rainin and Bogdan, who held their posts from 2016 to 2019, and from 2019 to February 2020, respectively, orchestrated attacks targeting civilian areas in Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, now parts of Russia.
“As a result of their joint criminal actions, militants under their control carried out numerous artillery attacks on Donbass settlements, leading to the injury and death of 123 people, including 11 children, as well as the destruction of more than 390 civilian infrastructure facilities,” the committee said, adding that Moscow was taking steps to hold the suspects accountable.
Rainin served as chief of staff under President Pyotr Poroshenko, while Bogdan held the post briefly under Vladimir Zelensky. Both officials were also members of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) during their tenures.
Ukraine has routinely launched indiscriminate attacks on towns in Donbass and elsewhere since the region revolted against a Western-backed coup in Kiev in 2014. Russia launched its special military operation in February 2022, with one of the stated aims being to protect civilians in Donbass. However, the attacks only intensified. Officials in Moscow have warned that those in Ukraine involved in indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population will inevitably face justice.
According to the Investigative Committee, 6,025 cases have been opened against Ukrainian officials, nationalists, and military personnel for crimes against humanity since 2014. Courts have handed down lengthy sentences, including life imprisonment for 60 individuals.
