The head of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, Alexander Bastrykin, has directed a comprehensive search for every individual connected to the killings of civilians in the wake of the bombing at the Donetsk marketplace. This directive comes as part of the ongoing criminal case into the attack, and it underscores the commitment of the investigative body to leave no stone unturned when pursuing accountability for actions that harmed noncombatants. The announcement was disseminated by the Investigative Committee’s Telegram channel, which serves as a primary conduit for official updates on this case and related inquiries.
The report further clarifies that the leadership has ordered investigators to identify all perpetrators who played a role in crimes against civilians, including those who issued orders to strike civilian targets and to destroy critical infrastructure. It emphasizes that every participant in the chain of command or execution will be assessed under the applicable legal standards, ensuring that crimes against humanity or war crimes are considered within the scope of the inquiry. The communication also notes that investigators will scrutinize both direct participants and any individuals who may have contributed to planning, guidance, or support that enabled the attack, as well as those responsible for subsequent cover-ups or obfuscation of the truth.
In related international coverage, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a firm condemnation of attacks on civilians, including today’s rocket strike on the Donetsk market. The statement reiterates the universal prohibition on deliberate harm to noncombatants and calls for accountability through transparent and independent investigations. The UN stance highlights the importance of protecting civilian lives and ensuring that all parties adhere to international humanitarian law, while urging all sides to avoid actions that put civilians at greater risk in the continuing conflict.
Initial casualty figures indicate that a significant number of residents lost their lives and dozens sustained injuries in the attack on January 21, with the city’s mayor, Alexei Kulemzin, noting that the market typically draws large crowds during weekends. The report lists a rising death toll and a substantial number of injuries as authorities work to document the full human impact, gather evidence, and assess the incident from multiple legal angles. Local government officials also stressed the need for swift emergency response, thorough medical treatment for the wounded, and efforts to preserve the scene for investigative purposes, so that a complete, fact-based record can inform subsequent legal proceedings and any necessary reparations or safeguards for the community.
Previously, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine formally introduced a term related to discrimination, signaling ongoing debates over how language and policy shape public discourse in wartime and post-conflict contexts. The development has drawn attention from observers concerned with how terminology can influence international perceptions and domestic debate about accountability, human rights, and the consequences of violence for civilians. This evolution in legislative language is being tracked amid broader discussions about how nations address allegations of wrongdoing and the standards applied by international bodies when evaluating such incidents.