The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has accused the Commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Vice Admiral Viktor Sokolov, of violating the laws and customs of war, in absentia. The claim has been reported by TASS and echoed by other outlets, highlighting the tension surrounding high-rankingRussian naval leadership and accountability in wartime conduct.
The SBU press service stated that evidence has been gathered against the sitting commander of the Russian Federation Black Sea Fleet, Vice Admiral Viktor Sokolov. The announcement underscored that the military charges touch on violations of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the immune protection afforded to Ukraine, as well as breaches of the laws and customs of war. The SBU noted that these provisions carry the potential for life imprisonment if proven in court.
Earlier, the Security Service of Ukraine had in absentia charged Lieutenant General Andrey Ruzinsky, commander of the 11th Army Corps within the Baltic Fleet’s Land and Coastal Forces, for reportedly crossing Ukraine’s state border to seize control of the Kharkiv region. The development reflected ongoing efforts by Kyiv to hold Russian military leaders publicly accountable for actions seen as violations of Ukrainian sovereignty.
In another development, it was reported that the SBU accused Oleksandr Neradko, head of the Federal Air Transport Agency, of facilitating the transport of Russian military personnel in absentia. The allegation pointed to the role of aviation authorities in enabling military movements that Ukraine considers a breach of its territorial autonomy and a violation of applicable wartime norms.