KYIV, Ukraine — The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has formally accused two Russian admirals and their subordinate of orchestrating the November 2023 missile strike on UNESCO World Heritage sites in Odesa. The attack damaged historic buildings in the city centre, including the renowned Pototsky Palace and Boffo House.
According to Ukrainian investigators, the order to strike Odesa was issued by Admiral Viktor Sokolov, the commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. His deputy, Vice Admiral Arkady Romanov, planned the attack and passed the command to Colonel Oleksiy Shcherbakov, who leads the 15th Separate Coastal Missile Brigade of the Russian Navy. The assault was carried out using a 3M55 Onyx medium-range anti-ship missile, a weapon designed for naval combat but repurposed for bombing civilian landmarks.
In response to the evidence gathered, Ukrainian authorities have issued formal war crimes charges against the three officers under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code. These charges pertain to violations of the laws and customs of war, including the deliberate targeting of cultural heritage sites.
Ukraine continues to pursue justice for Russian war crimes, vowing that those responsible will be found and held accountable.
