The aftermath of the attack on 16.03.22 (Photo: Suspilne Chernihiv)

Three Russian army commanders suspected of involvement in a strike on a residential area in Chernihiv that killed 20 people and wounded 28 others have been identified. They were notified of suspicion in absentia, reported Prosecutor General's Office.

Commander of the 35th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 41st Combined Arms Army of the Central Military District of Russia and two subordinate commanders of battalion tactical groups identified.

The store was struck on the morning of March 16, 2022, as locals lined up to buy groceries. The enemy struck with "low-altitude indiscriminate weapons" – Grad multiple rocket launchers.

According to the OGP, the Russians realized that the store was located in a dense area with high-rise buildings, educational institutions and other civilian infrastructure. Nevertheless, the commanders still gave the order to strike with Grads.

The shelling damaged a shop, apartment buildings and other buildings. There were no military objects nearby, which indicates a targeted attack on civilians, the Prosecutor General's Office noted.

All three have been notified of suspicion of violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with premeditated murder.

"Assistance in identifying those involved in the war crime of the aggressor state was provided by Truth Hounds and Global Rights Compliance, which document war crimes," the OGP noted .

Illustration: OGP