Prosecutors Target Russian Commanders for Cultural War Crimes

Ukrainian investigators have formally accused two senior Russian admirals and one of their subordinates of involvement in the November 2023 missile attack on UNESCO-protected sites in the historic centre of Odesa. The attack, which damaged notable cultural landmarks including the Pototsky Palace and the Boffo House, has been described as a serious breach of international law.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the suspects are Admiral Viktor Sokolov, commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, his deputy Vice Admiral Arkady Romanov, and Colonel Oleksiy Shcherbakov, who leads the 15th separate coastal missile brigade of the Russian Navy. All three were officially notified of suspicion заочно (in absentia) under Ukrainian law, meaning they were charged despite not being present in the country.

The missile strike took place on 5 November 2023 and involved the use of a 3M55 Onyx medium-range anti-ship missile. Ukrainian investigators state that Admiral Sokolov issued the command to conduct the strike. The planning of the operation was overseen by Vice Admiral Romanov, while Colonel Shcherbakov executed the order.

The missiles hit the central part of Odesa, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among the buildings damaged were:

The charges against the three Russian officers fall under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. These pertain to violations of the laws and customs of war, as defined by international treaties ratified by the Ukrainian parliament. The specific reference to “prior conspiracy by a group of persons” suggests that prosecutors view the missile strike not as a rogue act of war, but as a premeditated military operation against civilian heritage.

The SBU stressed that the damage to Odesa’s historical sites was not collateral, but part of a deliberate act targeting Ukraine’s cultural legacy. Ukrainian authorities have pledged that those responsible will face justice, stating that “comprehensive measures are underway to bring all Russian war criminals to justice. Each of them will be found and punished.”

This legal action by Ukraine adds to the growing list of accusations levied against the Russian military and political leadership for crimes committed since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The targeting of UNESCO sites, in particular, has drawn global condemnation, with cultural organisations warning that such actions amount to cultural genocide.

The notification of suspicion is a formal step that could lead to international arrest warrants and further pressure on Russia in global legal forums. Ukrainian officials have also signalled that they are cooperating with international partners, including The Hague-based International Criminal Court, in investigating such incidents.