The Correspondence Archive of Major General Roman Demurchiev
Investigative journalism projects 'Schemes' and 'Systema' have obtained a trove of correspondence belonging to Russian Major General Roman Demurchiev, dated from 2022 to 2024. This archive provides evidence of torture, extrajudicial killings, and the desecration of bodies of Ukrainian prisoners of war, acts which appear to be encouraged by the Russian military command. Roman Demurchiev, a 49-year-old major general, serves as deputy commander of Russia's 20th Combined Arms Army. This leak offers a rare, documented look into alleged war crimes perpetrated during the ongoing conflict.
Documents Substantiating War Crimes
In October 2022, Demurchiev sent a photograph of severed human ears strung on a metal pipe. The correspondence also includes thermal imaging video and audio reports detailing the execution of three Ukrainian servicemen near Makiivka in the Donetsk region. This killing was carried out by Russian fighters from the 'Black Mamba' unit on the orders of the commander of the 20th Army, Oleg Mityaev, who subsequently recommended the perpetrators for state awards.
Demurchiev maintained contact with a military counterintelligence officer using the call sign 'Greek'. All the described actions constitute clear violations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which establish the fundamental rules for the humane treatment of prisoners of war and civilians in conflict zones.
'We simply didn't have time to torture him... But you have plenty of time, you can use various tools that force a person to tell the truth'
— Roman Demurchiev
He also expressed an intention to collect a 'garland' of severed ears and gift it to someone. Oleg Mityaev, commenting on his subordinates' actions, stated: 'Good job, keep crushing the vermin.'
These facts expose grave war crimes committed within the context of the armed conflict and corroborate reports of systematic human rights abuses by the Russian command.
The exposure of Major General Demurchiev's correspondence underscores the critical importance of documenting war crimes for potential use in international tribunals. This evidence could form the basis for holding individuals accountable for breaches of international humanitarian law and aid investigations into crimes against humanity. As the war continues, ensuring accountability remains a vital issue for the protection of human rights and the pursuit of justice.