Ukrainian police identify Russian commander who ordered civilian killing in Bucha

The National Police of Ukraine has announced the identification of a Russian military officer implicated in the killing of a civilian during the 2022 Bucha massacre. According to the Bucha City Council, the suspect is Artem Tareev, a commander of the 234th Air Assault Regiment of Russia’s 76th Airborne Division.

Police reports allege that on March 5, 2022, Tareyev ordered his troops to “shoot all civilians appearing at the intersection of Yablonska and Vodoprovidna Streets” in Bucha.

One of the victims was 52-year-old Irina Filkina, a resident of the nearby village of Mykhailivka. She was killed while riding her bicycle home, struck by at least 15 bullets. Her body remained on the street for weeks until Russian forces withdrew from Bucha.

Ukrainian investigators claim that Tareyev’s order led to the killing of 13 civilians on Yablonska Street alone.

The atrocities in Bucha were uncovered after Russian troops withdrew from the Kyiv region, revealing extensive evidence of mass killings, torture, and looting. Hundreds of civilians were found dead. Ukraine has accused Russian forces of committing war crimes, while Moscow has denied the allegations.

The Bucha massacre remains one of the most harrowing symbols of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Investigations are ongoing to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.