Russian authorities arrested two soldiers for their involvement in a drunken killing spree in the Moscow-occupied part of Kherson, where they killed residents and burned their houses if they were refused alcohol. Alexander Kaygorodtsev and Alexander Osipov, both members of the 144th Guards Motor Rifle Division, were detained on suspicion of murder and admitted to killing at least five people. The victims included a 65-year-old and a woman who they shot in the stomach before burning her house. The soldiers used grenades and fire to destroy the bodies and crime scenes.
The soldiers’ motives for the killings include other Russian servicemen, making it puzzling for investigators to understand their actions. They shot one victim because she told them they could not find an empty house to commandeer. While no charges have been officially opened against the soldiers, it is reported that they will face an investigation from the 126th Military Investigation Department of the Russian Investigative Committee. Kaygorodtzev has a previous conviction for murder and participation in drug trafficking, and if convicted of the new murders, he could face life in prison.
The killings in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine are seen as part of ongoing violence and turmoil within these areas. Reports have highlighted various crimes committed against Ukrainian residents, including attacks on the LGBTQ+ population in Kherson. Human rights NGO watchdog Projector, in collaboration with OutRight International, documented attacks on LGBTQ+ residents between March and September 2023, where some Russian forces deliberately targeted queer individuals. Survivors of these crimes have been reluctant to contact law enforcement due to fears of not receiving support.
In another incident, the bruised and possibly executed body of Ukrainian Orthodox priest Father Stepan was found in Kalanchak, with a possible bullet wound to the head. He had been detained by Russian forces two days earlier, and the local bishop claimed that he was tortured to death. The priest’s death is part of a series of violent events that have occurred in the Russian-occupied zones in Ukraine. The New Voice of Ukraine and other outlets have highlighted the ongoing violence and crimes against Ukrainian residents in these regions.
The situation in Kherson and other Russian-occupied areas in Ukraine has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the population, especially LGBTQ+ individuals who have been targeted by Russian forces. The lack of support and protection for survivors of these crimes has contributed to a climate of fear and insecurity. Efforts by human rights organizations and international partners have sought to document and address these violations, calling for accountability and justice for the victims. The killings by the two Russian soldiers are just one example of the violence and brutality that continues to plague the region, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect the rights and dignity of all residents in the area.
