Russian Generals Identified in Deadly Ukraine Attack
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has named five Russian military officers responsible for a deadly attack on a shopping center in the city of Kharkiv. The attack happened on May 25 and killed 19 people, including two children.
According to the SBU, three Su-34 bombers were used to launch guided bombs at the Epicenter hypermarket. One bomb did not explode, but it was still found at the scene.
The five Russian officers are:
* Colonel-General Alexander Lapin, who ordered the attack
* Lieutenant General Valery Solodchuk, who planned the attack
* Lieutenant General Oleg Makovetsky, commander of the 6th Army of the Russian Air Force
* Major General Yury Podoplelov, chief of staff of the 6th Army of the Russian Air Force
* Colonel Alexey Loboda, commander of a bomber regiment
The SBU has charged these officers with violating international laws and customs that protect civilians. The attack made Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, even more vulnerable to Russian attacks.
Kharkiv is close to the Russian border, which makes it easy for Russian planes to strike at will. This has left journalists in the area worried about their safety while doing their jobs.