Ukraine names decorated ‘Hero of Russia’ as commander responsible for at least four civilian deaths in Bucha
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) says it has identified Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Dosyagayev as the commander responsible for ordering the murders of at least four Ukrainian civilians in Bucha during Russia’s occupation of the town in March 2022.
According to the agency, Dosyagayev’s unit played an active role in the Russian military’s violent “cleansing operations” and “filtration measures” aimed at curbing resistance among Ukrainians in occupied parts of the Kyiv region. On one occasion, Russian soldiers reportedly shot and killed four civilians within a two-hour period on Dosyagayev’s orders.
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After Russia’s retreat from the Kyiv region, Dosyagayev was awarded the title Hero of Russia by the Russian authorities.
The SBU said it has launched an investigation against the commander for violating the laws and customs of war. While the Ukrainian military reported in May 2022 that Dosyagayev had been killed in combat, the SBU said it will continue pursuing the case even if his death is confirmed.