Russian Investigators Identify Ukraine Commander Ordering Tactical Missiles

A Ukrainian commander who ordered the deployment of Tochka-U tactical missiles against civilians in eastern Ukraine was identified by the Russian Investigative Committee.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The Russian Investigative Committee said Tuesday it had identified a Ukrainian commander who ordered the deployment of Tochka-U tactical missiles against civilians in eastern Ukraine.

"The Russian Investigative Committee has identified the commander of the Ukrainian army who ordered the deployment of Tochka-U against the civilian population," its spokeswoman said.

She added that according to the investigation, Col. Fedir Yaroshevich was responsible for the use of the missile on August 22, 2014 that claimed lives of three people, including a child.

"The use of indiscriminate weapons could barely be called an accident. It is also impossible to believe the explanations of the Ukrainian side about certain malfunctions of the missile control system taking into consideration that the Tochka-U has been repeatedly used in the similar conditions," the spokeswoman said.

She added that actions of "certain Ukraine's officials" were of intentional nature and could be classified as the use of prohibited means and methods of war.
The Russian Investigative Committee said last month it received evidence that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have applied the Tochka-U tactical missile systems against civilians in the armed conflict.

The Russian Investigative Committee said last month it received evidence that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have applied the Tochka-U tactical missile systems against civilians in the armed conflict.