Trial of three Russian commanders for shelling of Chernihiv: 20 people killed

Commanders responsible for the death of 20 people in Chernihiv have been sent to trial

Three Russian commanders suspected of involvement in the deaths of 20 people in Chernihiv have been sent to trial. Prosecutors from the Chernihiv regional prosecutor's office issued an indictment against the commander of the 35th motorized rifle brigade of the 41st Army of the Russian Armed Forces and two commanders of battalion tactical groups. They are charged with violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder of civilians in conspiracy.

On the morning of March 16, 2022, the accused issued an order to use the Grad rocket artillery system on residential areas of Chernihiv, where local residents were present. This resulted in the deaths of 20 people and injuries to 28 others. Also, a store, residential buildings, and civilian infrastructure were damaged.

An investigation has been initiated into the drone strike on the railway as part of a criminal proceeding.

The commander and his subordinates were charged in July 2025. Assistance in identifying those responsible for war crimes was provided by Global Rights Compliance and the NGO 'Truth Hounds'. Chernihiv is constantly under shelling, as on October 17, when a Russian drone strike damaged rolling stock on the railway and injured a train driver.

In the evening of October 27, a Shahed drone fell in the city center, causing issues with mobile communications in Chernihiv.

Summary: Three Russian commanders have been sent to court in Chernihiv, accused of killing 20 civilians by using rocket artillery systems in a residential area of the city. This resulted in damage to a store, residential buildings, and civilian infrastructure, also causing injuries to 28 people.