Two Russian generals are suspected of shelling ammonia pipeline in Sumy
Photo: PJSC Sumykhimprom (wikipedia.org)
Two Russian generals were suspected of shelling an ammonia pipeline in Sumy. Three Russian colonels were also suspected, according to the Office of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Sumy region.
"The Security Service, together with the National Police, has gathered evidence of another war crime committed by commanders of Russian forces involved in the shelling of the critical infrastructure facility of PJSC Sumykhimprom. These actions created the preconditions for an environmental disaster," the statement reads.
It is noted that the case involves two generals and three colonels of the Western Military District of the Russian Armed Forces.
Shelling of the ammonia pipeline in Sumy
According to the investigation, in March 2022, during the temporary occupation of the Sumy district, these generals ordered strikes with Grad multiple rocket launchers on the ammonia section of the PJSC Sumykhimprom plant.
"As a result of the enemy strike, the ammonia pipeline was damaged, leading to a leak with ammonia evaporation. This created the preconditions for an environmental disaster," the Security Service of Ukraine stated.
After this, the Russian military leadership falsely accused Ukrainian forces of being responsible for the explosion of the ammonia and chlorine storage facility.
"During the investigation, it was established that this strike was pre-planned and carried out by the enemy to discredit the Ukrainian government and defense forces, as well as to sow panic among the local population," the agency added.
Based on the materials obtained by the Security Service, all five Russian military leaders have been charged in absentia under Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war).
Not the first suspicions for Russian generals over crimes in Ukraine
Ukrainian law enforcement has previously documented crimes by Russian military leaders, including generals, following the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
For example, in June, the Security Service of Ukraine announced charges against Russian General Ivan Popov, who led the capture of the Kharkiv region in 2022.
In February, the Security Service of Ukraine announced charges in absentia against Russian General Yakov Rezantsev, who commanded the capture of the Kherson region. He ordered Russian troops to invade the region from Crimea.
