Admirals of the Russian Black Sea Fleet have come under suspicion over the shelling of Odesa

Two Russian admirals of the Black Sea Fleet and their subordinate have been suspected of shelling UNESCO sites in Odesa.

As reported by the SBU, the evidence base was collected on the Russians who commanded the air strikes on Odesa on November 5, 2023.

Then the occupiers shelled UNESCO World Heritage sites located in the central part of the port city. As a result of the attack, historical buildings were damaged, in particular, the Pototsky Palace and the Boffo House.

According to the investigation, the order to carry out the shelling was given by Russian Admiral Viktor Sokolov, commander of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy. His deputy, Vice Admiral Arkady Romanov, planned the enemy strike and gave the appropriate order to his subordinate. The latter is Colonel Alexei Shcherbakov, who commands the 15th separate coastal missile brigade of the Black Sea Fleet.

To carry out the air attack, the invaders used a 3M55 “Onyx” medium-range anti-ship missile.

Based on the evidence collected, SBU investigators in absentia reported Sokolov, Romanov, and Shcherbakov to be charged under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war stipulated by international treaties, the binding nature of which was approved by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, as well as giving an order to commit such actions in a prior conspiracy by a group of persons).

Currently, comprehensive measures are underway to bring all Russian war criminals to justice.