SBU suspects Russian serviceman of shooting dead five Ukrainian soldiers, one civilian in Kharkiv region

Ukrainian authorities have charged a Russian serviceman named Leonid Ryzhikov with the murder of five Ukrainian soldiers and one civilian in the Kharkiv region. According to the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Ryzhikov, a 36-year-old Russian citizen, was apprehended on October 14 in Kharkiv. The investigation reveals that Ryzhikov had previously served a prison term for causing grievous bodily harm and theft before being drafted into the Russian army in late July.

He fought in the 68th Motorized Rifle Division of the sixth Combined Arms Army and participated in engagements in the Kharkiv region.

On October 5-6, after fleeing from positions near the village of Starytsia in Chuhuiv district following Ukrainian shelling, Ryzhikov donned civilian clothing from an abandoned residence and attempted to evade capture by hiding in forested areas. As he moved toward Kharkiv, he allegedly came under fire from Ukrainian forces on October 13 near Mykhailivka in Kharkiv district. In self-defense, Ryzhikov fired upon the attackers and retreated into the woods.

A few days later, on October 13, Ryzhikov encountered five unarmed Ukrainian soldiers in civilian attire who were temporarily residing in a private home in the village of Momotove. He allegedly broke into the residence and opened fire, killing all five individuals, including those who were asleep. Following the killings, Ryzhikov disposed of the AK-74 assault rifle he had used at a nearby property, only for law enforcement to later recover the weapon.

Based on the evidence presented, the SBU has charged Ryzhikov with war crimes under Article 438 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of life imprisonment.