Fatal Attacks on Ukrainian Soldiers and a Civilian
Leonid Ryzhikov, a Russian serviceman known by the call sign 'Yula,' stands accused of murdering five members of Ukraine's 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade as well as a 60-year-old local resident in the Kharkiv region. Reports indicate that Ryzhikov fatally shot the civilian, changed into civilian clothes, and then opened fire on the Ukrainian soldiers inside a private home. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office and the Security Service of Ukraine have formally charged him.
Chronology of the Crime
Born in Saint Petersburg and aged 36, Ryzhikov served in the 1009th Motor Rifle Regiment of the 68th Motor Rifle Division, part of the 6th Combined Arms Army of the Russian Federation's Armed Forces. Around October 5–6, he set out on foot toward Kharkiv. On October 9, Ryzhikov changed into civilian attire near a lake, keeping his automatic weapon with him.
- On October 13, in the village of Mykhailivka within Kharkiv district, Ryzhikov shot a 60-year-old local man who was fishing, killing him instantly. He then took the man's personal belongings and disposed of the body in a nearby water source.
- Later that same day, in the village of Momotove, also in Kharkiv district, Ryzhikov entered a private residence and killed five Ukrainian servicemen from the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, all of whom died at the scene.
Following the shootings, Ryzhikov abandoned the house, discarded his weapon, and fled on foot through a forested area heading toward Kharkiv. On October 14, authorities apprehended him in the city. He has been charged under Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which addresses violations of the laws of war resulting in death. Prosecutors have requested his pre-trial detention.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding these crimes and Ryzhikov’s motives for moving toward Kharkiv. On October 13, an unidentified individual opened fire with an automatic weapon in the Kharkiv region, killing five soldiers; the shooter’s identity remained unknown until Ryzhikov’s arrest on October 14.
This incident further highlights grave breaches of international humanitarian law amid the ongoing armed conflict.
The arrest and formal accusation of Ryzhikov for the killings of both military personnel and a civilian carry significant implications for international relations and war crimes investigations. Ukrainian authorities continue to delve into the case, demonstrating their commitment to holding perpetrators of wartime atrocities accountable.
For international audiences, understanding such incidents underscores the severe human cost of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and the ongoing challenges in enforcing international law during warfare.