Trial of Former Berkut Commanders
The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) has announced the trial of former commanders of the Kharkiv and Lviv Berkut special police battalions, along with a deputy chief of staff, who are accused of organizing the murders of participants in the Revolution of Dignity. A former Chief of the General Staff has also been notified of suspicion in absentia. This case represents a significant step in the long-running investigation into the violent crackdown on the Euromaidan protests, a pivotal moment in modern Ukrainian history.
On February 18, 2014, the country's top leadership decided to forcibly disperse the Maidan under the guise of an anti-terrorist operation. In preparation, Berkut units were additionally armed with pump-action shotguns and ammunition, including banned lead shot and bullets. On the night of February 18-19, 2014, Berkut units from Kharkiv and Lviv regions repeatedly attempted to clear the Maidan square. Their actions resulted in the deaths of 12 people, with over 130 sustaining bodily injuries of varying severity, including gunshot wounds.
Charges and Consequences
The commander of the Lviv Berkut held Russian Federation citizenship and was subsequently stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship. The deputy chief of staff is accused of misappropriating firearms and concealing them. The property of the accused has been seized. DBR investigators have also notified in absentia a former Chief of the General Staff of suspicion. This individual was appointed to the position after his predecessor refused to sign orders involving the Armed Forces in the anti-terrorist operation on February 19, 2014.
This accused individual is charged with organizing the blockade of the government quarter, the deployment of military hardware, and the transportation of personnel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. At least 1,790 servicemen were involved in executing these tasks. He faces charges including participation in a criminal organization, abuse of power, unlawful obstruction of protest activities, and desertion. Following the events of February 2014, he left Ukrainian territory and is believed to be hiding in the aggressor state.
On the night of February 18-19, 2014, Berkut units from Kharkiv and Lviv regions, under the command of the accused and alongside other security forces, repeatedly attempted to clear the Maidan. They unjustifiably used excessive force, special equipment, and firearms. As a result of these actions, 12 people were killed and over 130 sustained bodily injuries of varying severity, including gunshot wounds.
Procedural guidance in this case is provided by the Office of the Prosecutor General. The DBR has also announced suspicions against FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov and 20 other Russian nationals for inciting ethnic hatred. Separately, in Kyiv, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) uncovered a clandestine cell of the pro-Kremlin political project 'Druhaia Ukraina' (Another Ukraine), an organization based in Russia that is headed by Viktor Medvedchuk, who is accused of state treason.
This case marks a crucial phase in the investigation of the 2014 Revolution of Dignity events in Ukraine. It underscores the efforts of Ukrainian law enforcement to hold officials accountable for alleged crimes against peaceful protesters. The investigation may also influence public perception regarding accountability for the violence that accompanied the protests and the ongoing pursuit of justice.