Ukraine builds war crime case in wake of Red Cross convoy tragedy in Donetsk Oblast
Forensic evidence points to the use of 152mm artillery shells and a "Lancet" loitering munition, weapons reportedly exclusive to Russian armed forces.
Ukrainian authorities have gathered evidence implicating Russian forces in an attack on International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) vehicles in Donetsk Oblast, according to the General Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials blame Russian artillery for the attack. The ICRC condemned the incident but did not directly attribute blame. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a “war crime,” and international leaders, including EU’s Josep Borrell, denounced the attack, urging accountability for violations of humanitarian law.
The incident, which occurred on 12 September, resulted in the deaths of three ICRC workers and injuries to two others after their convoy was shelled while delivering humanitarian aid in the village of Virolyubivka, according to the General Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine.
Investigators report finding impact sites from artillery shells and a strike drone at the scene. Forensic analysis of the recovered munition fragments points to the use of 152mm artillery shells and a “Lancet” loitering munition, weapons exclusively used by Russian armed forces.
The 152-mm shells were used together with a drone equipped with a laser rangefinder-target designator, which independently detects and loiters over the target.
Based on damage patterns and impact locations, investigators have traced the likely origin of the attack to Russian-occupied territory near Yahidne village in the Bakhmut district.
The General Prosecutor’s Office identifies two potential Russian military units operating in the area: the 1065th Artillery Regiment of the 98th Airborne Division and an artillery unit of the 200th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade.
The Donetsk Regional Defense Council implemented new safety measures in response to the incident. As of 18 September, charitable organizations must obtain approval from the Regional Military Administration before operating in frontline communities.
Ukrainian authorities are treating the case as a violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder.
Related:
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- Russians show severed head of alleged Ukrainian soldier in video, Ukraine appeals to UN and Red Cross
- Red Cross chooses not to suspend Russian membership despite allegations of support for Russian aggression in Ukraine
