The Security Service of Ukraine has collected evidence against a russian war criminal who organised the targeted destruction of Pokrovsk’s civilian infrastructure.

According to the investigation, the perpetrator is colonel Anatoly Lapandin – commander of the 439^th rocket artillery brigade of russia’s Southern military district.

As the investigation established, throughout 2023 he commanded artillery strikes on residential buildings and an educational institution in the frontline city.

The enemy brigade used Tornado multiple rocket launchers to attack civilian targets.

Lapandin’s subordinates carried out shelling using fragmentation high-explosive unguided rockets, targeting areas where large groups of local residents had gathered.

In just one such incident, three civilians were killed and 11 were wounded as a result of the strike.

Such actions grossly violate the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949.

Based on the evidence, Security Service investigators notified Lapandin in absentia of suspicion under Article 438.2 of the CCU – war crimes resulting in the death of people.

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the procedural supervision of Donetsk Region Prosecutor’s Office.