Ukraine identifies Russian commander accused of massacres in Bucha

Ukraine's Security Service has said it has identified a Russian commander who is accused of giving orders to shoot civilians.

The SBU announced in a statement Thursday that it is investigating Vadym Ovchinkov, the commander of a Russian intelligence group, who allegedly ordered the murder of a Ukrainian family during the invasion of the town of Bucha in March 2022, reports CNN, broadcast Klankosova.tv.

“Security Service has confirmed the identity of another Russian conqueror who is involved in mass killings of civilians during the invasion of the Kiev region. The author is Lieutenant-in-chief Vadym Ovchinkov, commander of the 37th Brigade intelligence platoon”, said in the SBU statement.

According to the investigation, the criminal order to shoot local residents was carried out by five Ovchinkov subordinates, whose names SBU mentioned in the statement.

Ovchinikov and his associates were investigated for “violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional killings”, the statement said.

The SBU reported no information about the suspect's whereabouts, only stressed that “comprehensive measures are being taken to fairly punish Russian war criminals, regardless of where they are located”.

While the Kremlin has denied any involvement in mass killings and has reiterated the groundless claims that images of civilian troops were false.