On May 13, 2026, the SBU office in Sumy region updated the notices of suspicion against four russian generals and two colonels accused of organizing airstrikes on civilian targets in Sumy region in 2022.
Who are the suspects
Aleksandr Zhuravlev, born on Dec. 2, 1965, served as commander of russia’s Western Military District with the rank of colonel general.
Aleksei Zavizion, born on May 13, 1965, served as chief of staff and first deputy commander of the Western Military District with the rank of lieutenant general.
Oleh Makovetskyi, born on Oct. 6, 1966, served as commander of the 6th Air Force and Air Defense Army of the Western Military District with the rank of lieutenant general.
Yuriy Podoplelov, born on Oct. 16, 1967, served as chief of staff and first deputy commander of the 6th Air Force and Air Defense Army with the rank of major general.
Denys Kulsha, born on Feb. 20, 1976, served as commander of the 105th Guards Mixed Aviation Division of the 6th Air Force and Air Defense Army with the rank of colonel.
Vladimir Fedoseev, born on Aug. 25, 1984, served as commander of the 14th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 105th Mixed Aviation Division with the rank of colonel.
According to investigators, Zhuravlev oversaw the overall military operation in Sumy region.
Zavizion allegedly organized the preparation of combat orders and instructed planning groups to develop airstrike plans targeting Sumy and nearby settlements.
Makovetskyi, investigators say, ordered subordinate headquarters to prepare detailed strike plans identifying specific civilian targets and the use of FAB high-explosive bombs.
Kulsha allegedly supervised the planning of bombing routes and later issued direct orders to carry out the strikes.
Fedoseev is considered the direct executor at the regimental level, responsible for coordinating the aircraft involved in the bombings.
Case details
Investigators attribute three separate air attacks to the suspects.
- Airstrike on Sumy — March 5, 2022
Between 06:58 and 07:00, Su-30SM aircraft took off from the Khalino airfield in Kursk and carried out six bombing strikes on an industrial area of Sumy.
The attack caused extensive destruction to businesses on Peremohy Avenue, including SumyMostBud LLC, Dorbud LLC, SMNVO-Engineering JSC, G.I.S.B. Group LLC, and Monolith-Alliance LLC.
- Airstrike on Sumy and Bytytsia — March 7, 2022
At about 22:36, russian aircraft dropped FAB-500 high-explosive bombs on a residential district of Sumy between Romenska and Spartak streets.
According to investigators, 14 civilians were killed and two injured.
Four residential buildings were completely destroyed, while more than 70 buildings were damaged, including School No. 25, Kindergarten No. 33 “Marynka,” a veterinary hospital, and a Ukrtelecom branch office.
Later that evening, between 22:38 and 22:41, russian aircraft struck the village of Bytytsia, dropping at least seven bombs.
One civilian was killed and two others injured.
The Sonyachna Halyavyna recreation center sustained heavy damage, while homes on Sumska Street were destroyed.
- Airstrike on Vilshanka — March 10, 2022
Between 00:33 and 00:34, russian aviation carried out another series of strikes on the village of Vilshanka.
A civilian woman was injured.
A two-story residential building on Vedmezha Street was destroyed, and the Zoryanyi children’s health camp was damaged.
Investigators say there were no Ukrainian military units or military equipment present at any of the targeted locations during the attacks, and that all the sites struck were civilian objects.
Charges
Zhuravlev, Zavizion, Makovetskyi, Podoplelov, Kulsha, and Fedoseev are charged with violating the laws and customs of war under Part 2 of Article 28 and Parts 1-2 of Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.
According to the investigation, the purpose of the attacks was to terrorize the civilian population and destroy critical infrastructure in an effort to pressure Ukraine’s leadership into territorial and political concessions.
