The SBU named the Russian commander who ordered the shooting of civilians in Kup'yansk

As a result of the investigation, it was established that the person who killed three peaceful residents in Kup'yansk was a military officer of the Russian Federation. This crime attempted to instill panic among the local population and provoke instability in southern Ukraine. The Security Service of Ukraine continues to conduct a detailed investigation and gather evidence for the transfer of the case to the International Criminal Court.

The Security Service of Ukraine has identified a military official from the Russian Federation who participated in the murder of three peaceful residents of the city of Kup'yansk in the Kharkiv region on October 2, 2025. This is Andriy Syrotyuk, commander of the 121st regiment of the 68th motorized rifle division of the 6th Combined Arms Army of the Russian Federation, reports Glavkom citing the SBU.

According to investigators, the crime was committed to instill panic among the local population in the coastal area of the city. The occupiers disguised themselves in civilian clothing and, under the cover of local residents, penetrated the outskirts of the city. They were extremely close when they opened fire on two men and a woman who were trying to leave the city and head deeper into the territory of Ukraine.

Investigators classified this act under part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (war crimes resulting in the death of people).

Comprehensive documentation and evidence collection of this crime is underway for transfer to the International Criminal Court. Comprehensive measures are being implemented under the guidance of the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk, during which the operational activities of the service were discussed. The head of state noted significant success in the operations conducted by the SBU, especially in distant offensives and the elimination of Russian military personnel.

Maliuk informed the president about the results of distant offensives carried out by the forces of the Security Service.