On March 27, 2026, the Main Investigation Department of the National Police served a notice of suspicion on a Russian paratrooper who attempted to shoot a civilian in Bucha (Kyiv region) in March 2022.

What is known about the suspect

Dementiev Artem Stanislavovych (born November 20, 1986) is a citizen of the Russian Federation and a native of Pskov. He served as a reconnaissance sniper in the reconnaissance platoon of the 1st Battalion Tactical Group of the 234th Guards Air Assault Regiment of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division of the Russian Airborne Forces (military unit 74268). His rank was sergeant.

On February 25, 2026, he was also served with a notice of suspicion for the murder of two civilian men on Yablunska Street in Bucha.

Circumstances of the crime

According to the investigation, the crime occurred during the occupation of the city of Bucha, Kyiv region, when units of the Russian Armed Forces, in particular the 234th Air Assault Regiment, controlled the area around Yablunska Street.

On March 20, 2022, at approximately 12:00, Sergeant Dementiev was patrolling courtyards between apartment buildings. At that time, a group of local residents were burying a civilian man who had been killed earlier as a result of actions by Russian forces, in the yard of building No. 203-A.

Upon noticing the people, Dementiev opened fire in their direction. One of the residents, perceiving this as a real threat to his life, began running toward a basement to take cover.

At that moment, Dementiev, fully aware that he was facing a civilian who posed no threat, fired a burst from his assault rifle toward the man’s head.

At the time of the shot, the distance to the victim was approximately 16 meters, but Dementiev missed. This allowed the man to reach the basement in time and survive.

Suspicion

The investigation classified his actions as a completed attempted violation of the laws and customs of war (Part 2 of Article 15, Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), as provided for by international treaties and combined with premeditated murder.

By his actions, the Russian serviceman grossly violated the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, as the victim was a civilian, did not take part in hostilities, and was unarmed.

Criminal proceedings - No. 42022112320000037.