Criminal Proceedings Against Valery Gerasimov
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and the Prosecutor General's Office have initiated criminal proceedings against Russian Army General Valery Gerasimov. The case centers on war crimes allegations related to his involvement in large-scale missile and air strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. One of the most high-profile incidents was an attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region on July 2. These bombardments resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, as well as the destruction or damage of apartment buildings, private homes, and social facilities.
Military Command Structure and Accountability
As head of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, Gerasimov issues orders to subordinate military units for planning, preparing, and executing aerial assaults on Ukraine. These attacks employ:
- bombers,
- missile-carrying naval vessels,
- ground-based operational-tactical missile systems.
SBU investigators assert that the widespread shelling of civilian sites in Ukraine directly violates Articles 51 and 52 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949.
The investigation into crimes attributed to Gerasimov is being conducted under Article 438, Part 2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which addresses violations of the laws and customs of war as defined by international treaties, as well as the issuance of orders to commit such acts. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (GUR), noted that Gerasimov is among the few in Russia capable of compelling other generals to fulfill their duties, making him indispensable within the country's military hierarchy.
This criminal case is part of a broader effort to hold war criminals accountable amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. By pursuing charges against high-ranking officials like Gerasimov, Ukraine underscores its commitment to seeking justice for crimes against civilians and reinforces international initiatives investigating war crimes committed during the war. This case could have far-reaching implications for the global community, as it highlights the critical need to uphold international humanitarian law in armed conflicts.
As the investigation into war crimes continues, the situation within the Russian military hierarchy appears increasingly precarious. Recent reports suggest that Putin's security services are hesitant to safeguard Russian generals, viewing them as potential threats to his regime. This dynamic may further complicate the accountability efforts surrounding high-ranking officials like Gerasimov.