Court in Poltava region sentences two russian servicemen: 11.5 years for shelling Kharkiv
In the Poltava region, a court sentenced to two years and six months in prison two russian servicemen, Aleksandr Bobikin and Aleksandr Ivanov
It is stated in the verdict of the Kotelevskyo District Court of the Poltava region.
The document says that they received a sentence for shelling civilian areas of the Kharkiv region.
Both russians served in the Murmansk region. Bobikin was the driver-charger of the Grad MRLS, and Ivanov was the gunner of the same combat vehicle.
In December, the command informed them about alleged training in Belarus. In February, the russians arrived in the city of Kursk, where they continued training.
However, in the second half of February, they have already moved to the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine. There the military learned from the command about the coming war.
On February 23, russian units lined up 6 Grads at a distance of 4-6 kilometers from the border with Ukraine. At the same time, Bobykin and Ivanov knew that their weapons would work indiscriminately in such conditions, and civilian targets could enter the affected area.
On the morning of February 24, the russians received a "fire" command from the commander, and no amendments were given to the military to adjust the fire.
After that, the invaders moved closer to the border and fired again at Ukraine.
On the same day, the russians crossed the border with Ukraine in the Kharkiv region and advanced, according to them, by 25-30 kilometers. Then Bobikin and Ivanov fired missiles at Kharkiv, along with other soldiers.
As a result of these shellings, an electric substation, overhead power lines, residential buildings, and an academy were damaged in two villages in the Kharkiv region.
On February 24, a column of invaders was defeated by Ukrainian defenders. After that, both defendants hid for three days and later surrendered to the Ukrainian military.
It is noted that the russian military was found guilty of violating the laws and customs of war.
The prosecutor's office asked to sentence them to 12 years in prison, the most severe possible punishment.
Bobikin and Ivanov pleaded guilty in court and repented.
The defense said that the russians allegedly acted under duress and official dependence. However, the court disagreed and saw no evidence that the military could not avoid criminal action.
