Russian pilot who bombed civilian targets in Kharkiv region sentenced to 12 years in prison

This was reported by the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office (OPG).

"Prosecutors proved in court that in March 2022, the convict received a combat order to destroy civilian objects in the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv region by bombing. He was provided with the coordinates of the target - the Kharkiv radio and television transmitting station," the statement said.

The OGP noted that this transmitting station was not used for military purposes, but served exclusively for the provision of telecommunications services, the functioning of the warning system and the broadcasting of television and radio programs.

"Due to this, the population receives information about the threats of emergencies, threats to human life or health and damage to property, as well as recommendations for avoiding them," the Prosecutor General's Office said.

It is known that the Russian pilot bombed the Kharkiv radio television transmitting station with 8 FAB-500 aircraft bombs with a total TNT equivalent of 2 tons 400 kg, which caused damage to the metal structure, significantly reducing its load-bearing capacity and making further safe operation impossible.

On March 6, 2022, a Su-34 plane was shot down by the National Guard, the pilot ejected and was detained. The court sentenced him to 12 years in prison. The judges also satisfied the civil claims of the victims - three companies - for a total of over UAH 1,1 million.

• In October 2022, a first-class pilot of the Russian army was killed at the Belbek military airfield in occupied Crimea.