Russian National Guard serviceman formally a suspect over Bucha hospital attack

A Russian fighter serving with the Russian National Guard has been informed in absentia that he is suspected of violating the laws and customs of war and inciting treason.

The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office released this update on the case.

Based on the investigation, the suspect is accused of taking part in occupying Bucha city in the Kyiv region. He, along with other Russian servicemen, arrived at the Irpin Central City Hospital administrative building in Bucha on infantry fighting vehicles and other military equipment.

He is suspected of ordering the occupying Russian forces to aim large-calibre machine guns at the medical facility to intimidate hospital staff and patients. Together with armed officers, he is accused of blocking the entrances and exits to the building, taking those present hostage and threatening them with weapons. The suspect is also accused of forcing one employee to act as mayor of occupied Bucha.

The suspect was identified by the Prosecutor General's Office as attached to the 656 Regiment Operational Assignment, Russian National Guard Military Unit № 6720.