US State Department imposes sanctions against Russian military for war crimes in Bucha and Andriivka

This is stated on the website of the US State Department.

It is noted that the United States has added Azatbek Omurbekov, also known as “The Butcher of Bucha,” a Colonel in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for his involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the killing of civilians in Andriivka.

"Colonel Omurbekov was the commanding officer of Russia’s 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade during the period of time that Russia’s forces controlled the Ukrainian town Andriivka (Kyiv region - ed.). Omurbekov later led the brigade to Bucha," the State Department emphasized.

The United States found that the 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade killed, beat, dismembered, burned, and conducted mock executions of civilians. At the same time, the Kremlin reacted to the reports of war crimes by awarding the brigade, and Russian President Vladimir Putin promoted Omurbekov and praised his leadership.

In addition, the United States imposed sanctions on another soldier, Daniil Frolkin, for his involvement in the extrajudicial killing of an unarmed Ukrainian civilian in Andriivka. Both Frolkin and Omurbekov and their relatives are banned from entering the United States.

"The United States stands committed to promoting accountability for Russia’s abuses and atrocities against the people of Ukraine.  We will continue to use all appropriate avenues to pursue justice for Ukraine," the State Department said in a statement.

• Also, the day before, the US imposed sanctions on three organizations linked to the Russian Federation for exporting Russian oil at inflated prices.