On January 22, 2026, investigators from the Security Service of Ukraine served notices of suspicion in absentia to two russian admirals under Article 438 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code in connection with a missile strike on Lviv on July 6, 2023.
What is known about the suspects
Admiral Viktor Sokolov (born April 4, 1962), a native of Bender, Moldova, is a russian citizen who served as commander of russia’s Black Sea Fleet from September 2022 to April 2024.
Vice Admiral Arkadiy Romanov (born April 8, 1969), a native of Moscow, is a russian citizen and has served since May 2023 as chief of staff and first deputy commander of the Black Sea Fleet.
Circumstances of the alleged crime
According to investigators, no later than July 6, 2023, Sokolov ordered Romanov to organize a missile strike on Lviv using Kalibr cruise missiles launched by vessels of russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
Investigators say the attack disregarded protections related to Lviv’s historic center, which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
During the night of July 6, between approximately 00:10 and 00:30, missiles struck civilian infrastructure on Stryiska Street in an area located within the buffer zone of the protected site.
Nine civilians — women aged 32 to 70 — were killed in the strike. All victims were inside their homes.
The attack destroyed or damaged 17 buildings of local architectural significance that are under Ukrainian state protection. Nearby civilian property and vehicles were also damaged.
Legal qualification
Investigators concluded that the suspects were aware of the potential consequences of their actions but proceeded in violation of international humanitarian law, including the Hague Regulations (1907), Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions (1977), the Hague Convention on cultural property (1954), and the World Heritage Convention (1972).
The admirals were notified of suspicion under Articles 28(2) and 438(2) of Ukraine’s Criminal Code — violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder.
