Security Service of Ukraine accuses Ramzan Kadyrov of war crimes

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced that it had gathered “unequivocal evidence of war crimes” by Chechnya’s Head Ramzan Kadyrov and two of his subordinates: Daniil Martynov, deputy head of the Federal Guard Service of Chechnya, and Khusein Mezhidov, a commander in the Federal Guard Service.

According to the SBU, Kadyrov personally led the development and planning of certain military operations of some Chechen units in February and March 2022. They claim he also gave orders and listened to reports.

Martynov, according to the SBU, personally led the March 5 seizure of a psycho-neurological boarding school in Borodyanka, Kyiv region, when nearly 500 of its patients and staff were taken hostage. Mezhidov in late February - early March commanded the seizure and holding hostage of nearly 200 civilians in Hostomel, the security service said.

SBU investigators suspect Kadyrov of preparing and unleashing a war of aggression, committing acts to change Ukraine's borders, and justifying Russian military aggression against Ukraine. Martynov and Mezhidov are accused of violating the laws and customs of war.