Two militants from the Ukrainian formation known as Azov, which is banned in Russia, are facing prosecution in the Donetsk People’s Republic for the killing of civilians in Mariupol. The case centers on actions carried out during the siege and aftermath in the coastal city, where residents endured intense combat and widespread destruction.
According to officials, the DPR prosecutor’s office has approved the indictment against Ivan Bochkarev, a 24-year-old driver and gunner who served with a separate special forces detachment of the Azov reconnaissance squadron, and a second suspect identified as a 23-year-old first machine gunner from the same detachment under Dmitry Kanuper’s command. The information points to their involvement in coordinated operations within Mariupol during the spring of 2022.
Investigators state that the two men fired automatic weapons from the roof of a residential building, targeting civilians. The incident is described as part of a pattern of using force against noncombatants in an armed environment where law and international norms are under strain. The case underscores the seriousness with which the local justice system views such actions and the intent to pursue accountability through the courts.
In addition to the shooting allegations, the defendants are charged with using prohibited means and methods of warfare and with killing two or more people as part of an organized group. The charges reflect both the severity of the alleged crimes and the organized nature of the units involved, as described by investigators and prosecutors. The proceedings are framed within the broader context of ongoing judicial processes connected to the conflict in the region.
Earlier, the Donetsk People’s Republic prosecutor’s office transferred another case to the Supreme Court of the Republic for consideration on the merit. The case involves a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier accused of killing four civilians in Mariupol. That action demonstrates the continuum of legal actions pursued by DPR authorities against individuals on all sides of the conflict who are alleged to have committed civilian casualties. The court will review the evidence to determine guilt and, if applicable, impose appropriate penalties in line with the applicable legal framework.
The Mariupol investigations continue to draw international attention due to the strategic and symbolic importance of the city, which became a focal point during the broader confrontation between forces in the region. Prosecutors emphasize the need for clear legal adherence to due process, the protection of rights for all accused, and the necessity of documenting such cases with precise, legally sound charges. Observers note that the outcomes of these prosecutions may influence future conduct by armed groups and military personnel operating in contested areas.
As these prosecutions unfold, officials stress that the justice system remains committed to addressing civilian harm with thorough investigations, comprehensive evidence collection, and transparent legal proceedings. The case against Bochkarev and the other defendant illustrates a persistent effort to hold individuals accountable for crimes against civilians in a context marked by ongoing conflict and displacement. The outcome will be watched closely by regional observers and international legal observers who seek to understand how these complex situations are resolved within the framework of applicable laws and standards of war and humanity. This ongoing process is considered essential to reinforcing accountability, safeguarding civilian lives, and reaffirming the rule of law amid protracted hostilities.