Putin appoints new commander of Russia's Aerospace Forces linked to crimes in Bucha

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has appointed Alexander Chaiko as commander-in-chief of the Aerospace Forces, replacing Viktor Afzalov, who had held the post since October 2023.

Source: RBC and Kommersant, Russian news outlets

Details: In March, the Council of the European Union imposed sanctions on nine individuals accused of war crimes during the Russian occupation of Bucha, Kyiv Oblast.

Chaiko, a former commander of Russia's Eastern Military District, was included on the list. He was in charge during the invasion of Bucha.

In September, the Security Service of Ukraine filed charges against Chaiko in court. According to investigators, he took part in planning and executing the invasion of Ukraine's northern regions at the start of the full-scale aggression.

While leading the grouping, he commanded subordinate units during attempts to seize Kyiv. To avoid Ukrainian counterattacks, Chaiko reportedly set up his HQ in a seized kindergarten in the village of Zdvyzhivka, Bucha district. He also awarded subordinates at a local school stadium for actions described as war crimes in Kyiv Oblast, the Security Service said.

Based on the evidence, the Russian official is charged under Ukraine's Criminal Code with encroachment on territorial integrity and waging an aggressive war.

Based on the collected evidence, the Russian official is charged under Ukraine's Criminal Code with Article 110.3 (encroachment on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine) and Article 437.2 (planning, preparing, unleashing and waging an aggressive war).

Background: In Russia, commanders of troops, commanders-in-chief of military branches and districts are appointed exclusively by the president, who, under the Constitution of the Russian Federation, serves as supreme commander-in-chief. Such appointments are made through the signing and publication of a relevant decree.

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