Putin appoints general linked to Bucha killings in Ukraine as head of air forces
Photo: Russian army general Alexander Chaiko
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has appointed a general suspected of involvement in the killings of civilians in Bucha to a senior position in the Russian armed forces, according to Russian media.
Who is Chaiko
Colonel General Alexander Chaiko has been appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
In 2022, Chaiko commanded the East grouping, which advanced into the Kyiv region. His units operated in the areas where mass killings of civilians were later discovered.
The general is accused of approving orders by commanders to kill civilians in Bucha.
Security Service of Ukraine announces suspicion
In July 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine announced suspicion against Chaiko for committing war crimes.
In particular, he is accused of ordering the bombing of residential buildings in Borodianka in the Kyiv region.
Now, the same general will head one of the key power groupings of Russia.
In November 2025, Ukraine for the first time identified a specific Russian commander suspected of the killings of civilians in Bucha.
The investigation reconstructed the chain of command responsible for mass executions during the occupation of the city. Yurii Volodymyrovych Kim is suspected of responsibility for 17 killings and four cases of ill-treatment. He commanded one of the platoons of the Russian army.
Also, 13 Russian commanders involved in the killings of civilians in Bucha were identified.
