Russia's crimes in Ukraine's Bucha are not forgotten. The EU Council has adopted restrictive measures against nine individuals responsible for atrocities against civilians during the occupation of Kyiv Oblast in 2022. The Russians turned this small city into a torture chamber, killing men, women, and children.
Russia started its mass terror campaign with atrocities in Kyiv Oblast in 2022, including during widespread killings of civilians in Bucha. Since then, Moscow has continued targeting Ukrainians and has not stopped yet, shifting to drone and missile attacks.
"The Council today adopted restrictive measures against nine individuals who played a major role in the events," the statement reads.
Commanders of terror: Colonel-General Chaiko and subordinates
The sanctions list includes Colonel-General Oleksandr Chaiko, the former commander of Russia’s Eastern Military District and the highest-ranking Russian officer in Ukraine at the beginning of the invasion. He led troops during the capture of Bucha.
Other high-ranking military officers involved in crimes against civilians in Bucha, Hostomel, Irpin, and Borodyanka are also included.
Under their command, troops looted, tortured, and forced civilians to dispose of the bodies of fallen Russian soldiers. One individual is also implicated in the illegal adoption of a child from the occupied Donetsk Oblast.
"In their roles, they have led their units at the time hundreds of civilians were murdered, in some cases as a result of brutal executions," the statement adds.
What are new restrictions?
The nine individuals are subject to asset freezes, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing them with funds. They are also banned from entering or transiting through EU member states.
Currently, these restrictive measures apply to around 2,600 individuals and organizations in response to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
Earlier, Ukraine and other countries held memorial events marking the fourth anniversary of the Russian army’s airstrike on the Mariupol Drama Theater. In March 2022, Russian aviation dropped bombs on the theater building, which was serving as a shelter for civilians and had the inscription "Children" on it. Estimates indicate that more than 300–600 people died that day, including children.
