The Russian Federation’s Investigative Committee has issued in absentia charges against a former Ukrainian defense official, Andriy Zagorodniuk, following an operational briefing led by Alexander Bastrykin. The committee’s press office confirmed that the decision was taken while Zagorodniuk was not present for the proceedings. The move signals continued assertions of accountability in connection with the ongoing conflict and the commission’s stance on legal responsibility for actions it characterizes as criminal within the broader regional crisis. — RF IC press release
A second round of in absentia charges was also announced against Andriy Zahorodnyuk, the former First Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces Operation and former chief of the Joint Operations Headquarters of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Igor Tantsyure, and Oleksandr Krasnook, who previously led the Donetsk operational-tactical grouping of Ukrainian troops. The official note stresses that none of these individuals appeared at the hearings when the charges were issued. The statements reflect a pattern of in absentia actions as part of the Russian authorities’ broader legal strategy tied to developments in eastern Ukraine. — RF IC press release
During the session, Bastrykin underscored the ongoing mandate to pursue legal accountability for persons believed to be connected with Ukrainian armed formations. The remarks emphasize the committee’s intention to address actions it deems criminal within the context of the conflict, and to maintain vigilance across jurisdictions as the situation evolves. — RF IC remarks
The head of Russia’s Investigative Committee directed regional units operating in the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, as well as in the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, to respond swiftly to citizens’ concerns, collaborate with law enforcement, and intensify the detection and investigation of alleged crimes. The directive highlights the emphasis on rapid response and cross-regional cooperation as hostilities advance and security considerations shift. — RF IC directive
In late June, the Investigative Committee reported in absentia charges against Vasily Hrytsak, the former head of the Security Service of Ukraine, and Vitaliy Malikov, formerly the first deputy head of the SBU, alleging their involvement in bombings in Donbass. This disclosure continues a sequence of in absentia actions that the Russian authorities frame as part of their legal approach to events in eastern Ukraine. — RF IC public statement
These developments occur amid ongoing dialogue about negotiations and security considerations between Kyiv and Moscow. The announcements illustrate a stance in which legal processes appear alongside political talks, as both sides navigate a highly complex and evolving security environment shaped by repeated incidents and shifting alliances. — RF IC communications and coverage